#ap computer science a

[the-unbound-prometheus]

Inshallah the college board is exploded soon

[kidscoding]

Programming vs. Coding

Though often used interchangeably, programming and coding are distinct terms that describe different aspects of creating software. Understanding these differences is essential, especially for beginners or those teaching concepts like programming for kids.

What is Coding?

Coding is the act of writing instructions in a language that a computer can understand. These instructions, written in programming languages like Python, Java or C++, tell the computer what to do.

Think of coding as translating human ideas into a format the machine can process. Coders focus on the syntax and rules of a specific language, ensuring the commands are structured correctly. It is the foundational skill needed to start developing software or applications.

What is Programming?

Programming encompasses coding but goes beyond it to include the planning, design, testing and debugging of software. A programmer focuses on creating complete solutions, considering user needs, system requirements and scalability.

For example, a programmer might design an entire application, breaking it down into smaller tasks (or modules), which are then coded. Programming requires knowledge of algorithms, data structures and problem-solving techniques.

When teaching programming for kids, the focus often shifts to simple, interactive projects where they not only code but also think critically about how the program should function.

Key Differences

Scope: Coding is a subset of programming. While coding focuses on writing commands, programming involves broader tasks like system design and debugging.

Creativity: Programming requires strategic thinking and planning, while coding focuses on translating instructions into computer-readable formats.

Tools: Coders use code editors, while programmers use a variety of tools, including version control systems, integrated development environments (IDEs) and debugging software.

Why It Matters

Understanding the distinction between coding and programming is crucial for anyone entering the tech field. While coding is the entry point, programming develops the skills necessary for creating functional, efficient software.

For beginners, particularly children, starting with coding through resources like learning to program for kids introduces them to the world of technology, setting the stage for deeper learning and innovation.

Read a similar article about game development for kids here at this page.

[weezerlvr228]

Blast Off! Performed live in San Diego last fall! 🫶

[cs-med-world-insights]

How to get into Coding!

Coding is very important now and in the future. Technology relies on coding and in the future you will need to know how to code to get a high-paying job. Many people consider having Computer Science field-related jobs, especially in AI. What if you are interested it in general or as a hobby? What if you don't know what you want to do yet for college?

Pick a language you want to learn: Personally, I started out with HTML and CSS. I recommend if you want to do web design HTML and CSS are good languages to start with. Otherwise, start with JavaScript or Python.

2. Find Resources: Basically you want to look at videos on YouTube, and take classes that have coding like AP CSP, AP CS A (harder class), Digital Information Technology, etc. You can also attend classes outside in the summer like CodeNinjas and use websites like code.org, freeCodeCamp, and Codecademy. Also, ask your friends for help too! You can find communities on Reddit and Discord as well.

3. Start Practicing: Practice slowly by doing small projects like making games for websites and apps. You can work with friends if you are still a beginner or need help. There's also open-source coding you can do!

4. Continue coding: If you don't continue, you will lose your skills. Be sure to always look up news on coding and different coding languages.

5. Certifications: If you are advanced in coding or want to learn more about technology, you can do certifications. This can cost a lot of money depending on what certification you are doing. Some school districts pay for your certification test. But if you take the test and pass, you can put it on your resume, and job recruiters/interviewers will be impressed! This can help with college applications and show initiative if you want a computer science degree. This shows you are a "master" of the language.

[pixelverseart]

Took my AP Computer Science Principles Exam today. It was tiring.

I just hope that i get a 5.

[notpoet06]

Discrete Math Conversation

Teacher: how’s the problem set going over here?

Me: it’s going.

Friend 1: no, it’s not.

Friend 2: it’s not going at all, actually. Help

[sadiecoocoo]

Guys… I have to go back to school… in twelve hours

[ziggyplayedguitar96]

I have an AP comp sci test tomorrow and I’m kinda nervous

[insecuregodcomplex]

Glass Onion is a fun movie about the dangers of letting the annoying guy who uses fake words to talk about his brilliance into the friend group

[theguardianace]

wait. super random question

any languages, btw!!

[simonoliverseville]

My School Schedule for this marking period.

1st hour- History

2nd hour- Math

3rd hour- Gym

4th hour- Literature

LUNCH BREAK

5th hour- AP Science

6th hour- Computer Science

7th hour- Study Hall

Extracurriculars:

Basketball Club on Mondays and Wednesdays

MathTrons on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Chess Club on Fridays

[eleventeenratsinaflannelsuit]

Exerpts from my absolute onslaught of “clarifying” comments on my “simple” calculator assignmeng for AP compsci principles (it is over 182 lines long)

(we’re starting our python unit. I already know basically everything that will be taught in this unit. wtf (teacher said ill get to code fish game as a project if i want /pos))

#unrelated but have you seen that one code of a like, C# or java coded calculator that can add/subtract/divide/multiply any two individual numbers up to 60-something and the coder did it by coding something else to hard code every operation. like, if num1=3 and num2=5 and operation=addition answer=8 type of thing? terrifying. I want to do it. (i looked for the code but couldn't find it (sad))

#I need blank lines and I can't be bothered to check if /n works in python. Also this is funnier [in relation to me using 'print("")' to get blank lines on the terminal]

#I don't want to code in fault tolerance and that stuff so... yeah if you do something wrong the server is down

#help how do i python for loop with a variable

#lol i don't need python for loop here

#etc.

#kindness matters :)

#(extra or statements to account for user error (i don't want to figure out how to ignore whether a letter is caps or lowercase so i will instead code more. This is my mantra.))

#(you know it's sad that python doesn't use semicolons to seperate commands because in languages that do use it I can just code EVERYTHING on one line and the camp counselors didn't like that but they couldn't do anything because it was technically correct lol)

[cheesemenace]

Taking the AP comp sci principles test on Wednesday. I'm gonna eat it up (unlike my calc exam)

Everyone should fear me (the random aaaa questions about hardware and software is gonna get me please help please help oh god they are gonna get me)

I code so well 😈😈😈😈

[drowneddinosaur]

ap cs litr hates me

[cs-med-world-insights]

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[alwayyss-angel]

sometimes i wonder if computer science is for me or if AP is just kicking my ass for fun