Core Programming Constructs and Data

This unit develops foundational programming skills and data-management techniques for game programming, building on introductory concepts and preparing students for advanced systems and design topics. Students learn and apply data types, control flow, subprograms, common data structures and algorithms, basic I/O, debugging, documentation, and introductory security and deployment considerations.

Learning Objectives

• Apply primitive and composite data types, variables, arithmetic operations, and string manipulation to implement program solutions and maintain correct program state.
• Demonstrate control flow and modular design by writing and debugging subprograms that use parameters, IF/THEN/ELSE/ELSEIF, WHILE and DO loops, and event-driven constructs.
• Analyze and implement appropriate data structures and algorithms (arrays, linked lists, dictionaries, queues, trees, selection sort, indexing, and regex/search techniques) to store, access, and process game-related data.
• Evaluate software quality and security practices by creating documentation, using debugging techniques, performing basic file I/O and encryption/compression measures, and assessing engine/OS and compilation choices for deployment.