Basic programming/algorithmic concepts [closed]

Answer 1

Thanks for your replies!

And how would you teach them actual problem solving?

I know a bunch of students that know C++ syntax and a few basic algorithms, but they can't apply the knowledge they know when they solve real problems - they don't know the approach, the way to transcribe their thoughts into a set of strict steps. I do not talk about 'high-level' approaches like dynamic programming, greedy etc., but about basic algorithmic mindset.

I assume it's just because of the poor learning process they were going through. In other sciences - math, for example - they are really brilliant.

Answer 2

Hank: Big O??? you mean tell beginning programmers that their code is of O(n^2) and yours is of n log n ??

Answer 3

IMO, Big-O is one of the more important concepts for beginning programmers to learn.

Answer 4

Wow. C++ is one of the worst possible languages to start with, in terms of the amount of unrelated crap you need to get anything working (Java would be slightly worse, I guess).

When teaching beginners in a boilerplate-heavy environment, it's usual to start with "here's a simple C program. We'll discuss what all this crap at the top of the file is for later, but for now, concentrate on the lines between 'int main(void)' and the 'return' statement, which is where all the useful work is accomplished".

Once you're past that point, basic concepts to cover include the basic data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, and dictionaries), and the basic algorithms (sorting, searching, etc).

Answer 5

I would try to work with a C subset, and not try to start with the OO stuff. That can be introduced after they understand some of the basics.