Visual Programming (Computing Study Texts S.) - Softcover

Leigh, David J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1903337119 ISBN 13: 9781903337110

Publisher: Learning Matters Ltd, 2003

Synopsis

This is an introduction to concepts associated with Visual Programming, based on the language Visual Basic. It is founded firmly on the concept of learning by doing, and theoretical knowledge and practical skills are presented in parallel.

The book is a clear and concise introduction to the subject, and will help students get to grips with difficult concepts, and understand how they are likely to be assessed. Key features include:

* assessment targets for each chapter;
* brief explanations of crucial concepts;
* advice on exams and assessment;
* tips on common mistakes and how to avoid them.

About this title

From the Author

This is not (quite) an introductory book, but rather one for the programmer who has already has experience of another programming language. It has been written to add a "visual" aspect to students’ previous work. At the same time, it uses Software Engineering approaches so that the programs written are safer and more robust.
The programming language is Microsoft’s Visual Basic. It is widely available, and offers reasonable help facilities to initial users. Its paradigms are familiar to users of modern computer systems. It supports the necessary Software Engineering principles unobtrusively, and readily leads in to more advanced languages.
The book’s design refers to Edexcel BTEC Higher National as its aim. This defines the level expected and the minimum guaranteed content. Importantly, the book goes beyond those defined syllabus areas for readers who wish to extend their expertise. It expects those readers to be motivated, and to be ready to practise the practical aspects of programming.
The approach is firmly that of "learning by doing". There are many short exercises, and larger pieces of practical work further support each topic. Brief questions are formally interspersed in the text to reinforce the points being made. This approach has found favour with lecturing staff who use the text to extend their students’ experience, as well as with their students.
While the book offers a direction and necessary support, it does not follow a "hand holding" approach. It has no pretensions to being exhaustive, having fewer than 150 pages. It does, however, offer ways in which its readers can develop their knowledge further, if they so wish.
This book has been informed by the author’s many successful years of introducing programming languages to students at this level.

About the Author

David Leigh has been working and playing with computers for over forty years. He entered education in seach of money, and is still looking, even though he has now retired from teaching at Staffordshire University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Learning Matters Ltd
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1903337119
• ISBN 13: 9781903337110
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 152