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L01 - Intro to Java (2)

This document introduces Java programming, explaining that a program is a set of instructions for computers, akin to a recipe for food. It covers the compilation process, the unique aspects of Java such as platform independence and the use of bytecode, and outlines the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), including concepts like objects, classes, and messages. The document highlights both advantages and disadvantages of Java, emphasizing its safety and standardization, while also noting performance limitations and the need for a Java interpreter.

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Dawit Belete
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9 views15 pages

L01 - Intro to Java (2)

This document introduces Java programming, explaining that a program is a set of instructions for computers, akin to a recipe for food. It covers the compilation process, the unique aspects of Java such as platform independence and the use of bytecode, and outlines the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), including concepts like objects, classes, and messages. The document highlights both advantages and disadvantages of Java, emphasizing its safety and standardization, while also noting performance limitations and the need for a Java interpreter.

Uploaded by

Dawit Belete
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 1

Introduction to Java
What is a Computer Program?
• For a computer to be able to do anything
(multiply, play a song, run a word processor),
it must be given the instructions to do so.

• A program is a set of instructions written by


humans for computers to perform tasks.

• The instructions are written in programming


languages such as C, C++, Java, etc.
Recipe Analogy
Comparing a computer program to a food recipe

Food Recipe Computer Program


• a chef writes a set of • a programmer writes a set of
instructions called a recipe instructions called a program

• the recipe requires • the program requires


specific ingredients specific inputs

• the cook follows the • the computer follows the


instruction step-by-step instructions step-by-step

• the food will vary • the output will vary


depending on the amount depending on the values of
of ingredients and the cook the inputs and the computer
Compiling Programs

• Computers do not understand the languages


(C++, Java, etc) that programs are written in.

• Programs must first be compiled (converted)


into machine code that the computer can run.

• A compiler is a program that translates a


programming language into machine code.
Running Programs
• All programs follow a simple format:
Input Execution Output

• Inputs can be from users, files, or


other computer programs

• Outputs can take on many forms:


numbers, text, graphics, sound, or
commands to other programs
Multiple Compilers
• Because different operating systems (Windows, Macs,
Unix) require different machine code, you must compile
most programming languages separately for each platform.

program

compiler compiler

compiler

Unix
Win
MAC
Java Interpreter
• Java is a little different.
• Java compiler produces bytecode not
machine code.
• Bytecode can be run on any computer
Win
with the Java interpreter installed.

Java Program Java Bytecode


MAC

compiler Interpreter

Unix
Advantages and Disadvantages of Java
Advantages:
• Java is platform independent. Once it's compiled, you can run
the bytecode on any machine with a Java interpreter. You do not
have to recompile for each platform.
• Java is safe. Certain common programming bugs and dangerous
operations are prevented by the language and compiler.
• Java standardizes many useful operations like managing
network connections and providing graphical user interfaces.

Disadvantages:
• Running bytecode through the interpreter is not as fast as
running machine code, which is specific to that platform.
• Because it is platform independent, it is difficult to use platform
specific features (e.g., Windows taskbar, quick launch) in Java.
• Java interpreter must be installed on the computer in order to run
Java programs.
Object-Oriented Programming
• Java is an object-oriented
programming language

• For the rest of this lecture, we’ll


introduce you to the basic principles
of object-oriented programming.

• We won’t be using these principles


immediately, but they will become
important over the next lectures.
OOP Concepts
• In object-oriented programming (OOP),
programs are organized into objects

• The properties of objects are


determined by their class

• Objects act on each other by passing


messages
Object
• Definition: An object is a software
bundle that has State and Behavior.

• Software Objects are often used to


model real-world objects.

• Example: dogs have states (name,


color) and behaviors (bark and wag
tail).
Object Examples

• Example 1: Dogs
– States: name, color and “is hungry?”
– Behaviors: bark, run, and wag tail

• Example 2: Cars
– States: color, model…
– Behaviors: accelerate, turn, change gears
Class
• Definition: A class is a blueprint that defines the
states and the behaviors common to all objects of
a certain kind.

• In the real world, you often have many objects of


the same kind. For example, a guard dog, snoop
dog . . .

• Even though all dogs have four legs, and bark,


each dog’s behavior is independent of other dogs.
Message

• Definition: Software objects interact and


communicate with each other by sending
messages to each other.

• Example: when you want your dog to


gather a herd of goats, you whistle and
send him out.
Summary of OOP
• When writing an object-oriented program, we
define classes, which describe categories of
objects, and the states and behaviors that they
have in common.

• We then create objects which belong to classes,


and share the common features of their class.

• Objects interact with each other by passing


messages.

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