National Handcraft Training Centre

Student #: IT2516

Course: Information Technology

Instructor: Mr N. Dlamini

Date:

Due date: 17 October 2025

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Table of Contents pages

1. Introduction 3
 Overview of Computer Science and Programming
2. Understanding Computer Science 3
2.1 Definition
2.2 Historical Development On Computer Science
3. Computer Programming: The Heart of Computer Science 4
3.1 Definition and Purpose
3.2 Programming Paradigms
4. Why Python 4
4.1 Overview
4.2 Simplicity and Readability
4.3 Versatility and Libraries
4.4 Python in Education
5. Core Concepts in Python Programming 5
5.1 Variables and Data Types
5.2 Control Structure
5.3 Functions
5.4 Data Structures 6
5.5 Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
6. The Relationship Between Computer Science and Python Programming 7
7. The Importance of Learning Python in Modern Computer Science
7.1 Problem Solving and Computational Thinking
7.2 Career Relevance
7.3 Research and Scientific Computing
8. Challenges in Learning Python and Programming
9. The Future of Computer Science and Python 8
10. Conclusion 8
11. References (Harvard Style) 8-9

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Introduction to Computer Programming and Computer
Science Using Python.
1. Introduction
Computer science and computer programming, emphasizing how python serves as an ideal language
for learning and applying programming concepts. It explores fundamental principles, historical
context, programming logic, and python’s role in education and industry. It also discusses the
importance of computational thinking, algorithms, and problem-solving skills that define the essence
of computer science.

2. Understanding Computer Science

2.1 Definition
Computer Science is the systematic study of computers, computational systems, and the processes
that enable them to perform tasks effectively (denning,2019). Unlike computer engineering, which
focuses on hardware design, computer science primarily addresses software development,
algorithms, data structures, and theoretical computation. It integrates mathematics, logic, and
engineering principles to analyse and create efficient solutions for real-word problems.

Computer Science extends across several domains, include:

 Artificial intelligence (AI) –designing system capable of learning and decision-making.

 Software engineering –developing reliable and scalable software application.
 cybersecurity –protecting digital system and data from malicious attack.
 Data Science –analysing and interpreting datasets for insights.
 Human-Computer Intelligence (HCI) –improving how people interact with technology.

Each subfield relies heavily on programming and algorithmic reasoning.

2.2 Historic Development of Computer Science

The original of computer science can be traced to mathematical logic and computational theory.
Alan Turing’s seminal work in the 1935s introduced the concept of a universal machine capable of
executing any computable function, laying the foundation for modern computing (Turing, 1936). In
the mid-20th century, early computers like ENIAC and UNIVAC demonstrated practical computation
capabilities, and programming languages such as FORTRAN and COBOL emerged to simplify human-
computer interaction.

As technology evolved, computer science matured into a distinct academic discipline. The 1960s saw
the development of structured programming paradigms and languages like C and Pastal. Later
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) introduced by Smalltalk and C++ revolutionized software
design by modelling systems around real-world entities.

Today, computer science encompasses not only programming but also areas such as machine
learning, quantum computing, cloud computing, and data visualization, all of which rely on
fundamental programming principles.

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3. Computer programming: the heart of computer science
3.1Defination and purpose
Computer Programming is the process of writing, testing, and maintaining code that directs
computer to perform specific operations. It involves using a programming language –a formal set of
rules and syntax –to express logical procedures that a machine can interpret and execute (sebesta,
2020).

Programming bridges the gap between human logic and machine execution.

Main purpose –it to solve problems efficiently through computational methods. Algorithms are
designed in s

step-by-step procedures –and implements them using codes. This process develops problem-solving
and analytic thinking skills, central to the discipline of computer science.

3.2 Programming paradigms

Programming languages support different paradigm, each with unique approaches to problem-
solving:

 Procedural programming: emphasizes sequences of instructions and functions (C, Python)

 Object-Oriented Programming(OOP): organise code into objects that represent data and
behaviour (Java, Python).
 Functional programming: focuses on mathematical functions and immutability (Haskel,
Lisp).
 Event-Driven Programming: used in graphic user interface and web development
(JavaScript).

The reasons that make Python particularly powerful is that it supports multiple paradigms, making it
both versatile and beginner-friendly.

4. Why python?

4.1 overview

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. Its emphasizes readability and

simplicity, following the principle that “simple is better than complex” (van Rossum, 1999). Python’s
clear syntax allows beginners to focus on problem-solving rather than complex grammar rules.

Python is widely used in:

 Education –introductory programming courses.

 Data science –analysis, visualization, and machine learning.
 Web development –frameworks like Django and flask.
 Automation –scripting and task management.
 Artificial intelligence –libraries like TensorFlow and PyTourch.

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4.2 Simplicity and readability
Python code closely resembles English, reducing the cognitive load for beginners. For instance, a
simple “hello world” program is written as:

Print (“hello, world!”)

This one-line syntax exemplifies Python’s clarity compared to language like Java or C++, which
require more setup.

Python uses indentation to define code blocks instead of braces {}, enforcing good coding habits
and improving readability.

4.3 Versatility and Libraries

Python includes a vast standard library and thousands of external modules that extend its
functionality. For example:

 Math for mathematical operations.

 Pandas and numpy for data manipulation.
 Matplotlib for data visualization’
 Requests for web interactions.

This ecosystem makes python applicable across disciples –from finance, and biology to engineering
and art.

4.4 Python in Education

Many universities and high schools use python as the first language for teaching programming. Its
simplicity enables students to grasp fundamental computer science concepts such as:

 Variables and data types

 Conditional statements
 Loops
 Functions
 Algorithms and data structures

Python’s interactive shell and notebook environments (e.g. Jupyter) provide instant feedback,
making it an excellent tool for learning by doing.

Research shows that students learning python develop stronger problem-solving skills and
confidence compare to those starting with more complex languages (Grover & Pea,2018).

5. Core concepts in Python Programming

5.1 Variables and data types

Variables are containers for storing data values. Python supports various data types including
integers, floats, strings and Booleans.

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Example:

Name = “Melo”
Age = 21
Is_student = True
Print(name, age, is_student)

Variables are dynamically typed is determined at runtime. This flexibility allows for rapid
development.

5.2 Control structures

Control structures manage the flow of a program.
Example of conditional statements:
If age >= 18:
Print(“You are an adult.”)
Else:
Print(“You are a minor.”)

5.2.1 Loops:
For i in range(5)
Print(“Iteration”,i)

These constructions allow computers to make decisions and repeat tasks automatically.

5.3 Functions
Functions enable code reuse and modularity.
def greet(name):
return “Hello,” + name
print(greet(“Melo”))

Functions can accept parameters and return values, helping developers organize and test code
effectively.

5.4 Data Structures

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Data structures store and organize data efficiently.
 List –orders and mutable:

Fruits = [“apple”, “banana”, “blueberry”]

Print([fruits[1])

6. The Relationship Between Computer Science and Python Programming

Computer science provides the theoretical foundation, while python provides the practical tools to
apply that theory. Python enables learners to experience with algorithms, explore computational
logic, and understand how hardware and software interact.

For instance:

 In data structures, python helps visualize how lists or trees function.

 In algorithms, students can test sorting or searching logic.
 In AI, python implement machine learning models.
 In cybersecurity, python automates security testing.

Thus, python acts as s a bridge between computer science concepts and real-world applications.

7. The Importance of Learning Python in Modern Computer Science

7.1 Problem Solving and Computational Thinking

Python help fosters computational thinking –the ability to break complex problems into manageable
parts. This mind-set is central to all areas of computer science (Wing, 2006). Students learn to design
algorithms, analyse efficiency, and implement logic effectively.

7.2 Career Relevance

Python dominates industry applications due to its adaptability. According to stack Overflow’s 2024
Developer Survey, Python ranks among the most used and most loved programming languages. It is
widely adopted in fields like:

 Data analytics (using Pandas and NumPy).

 Artificial Intelligence (using TensorFlow and Scikit-learn).
 Web development (using Flask or Django).
 Cybersecurity (for penetration testing scripts).

7.3 research and Scientific computing

Python has become the standard for scientific computing due to libraries like SciPy and Matplotlib.
Its open-source nature encourages collaboration and reproducible research.

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8. Challenges in Learning Python and Programming
While python simplifies learning, students may still face challenges:

 Understanding abstract concepts like recursion or OOP.

 Developing logical thinking instead of memorizing syntax.
 Overcoming frustration during debugging.
 Transitioning from beginner exercise too complex projects.
However, consistent practice, mentorship, and project-based learning can overcome these
barriers. Using python in practical contexts –such as game design, data visualization, or
automation –keeps learning engaging and relevant.

9. the future of computer science and python

As technology evolves, Python’s influence continues to grow. It is integral to emerging fields like:

 Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

 Quantum computing
 Cybersecurity Automation
 Internet of things (LoT)
 Blockchain and Cryptography

Python’s readability and community support ensure it remains accessible to new generations of
learners and researchers. It’s integration with cloud computing and big data platforms will sustain its
dominance in computer science education and practice.

10. conclusion
Computer science and computer programming are inseparable components of the digital age.
Programming transforms theoretical knowledge into practical systems that solve real-world
problems. Among all languages, Python stands out for its clarity, simplicity, and broad applicability. It
not only makes programming accessible to beginners but also empowers professionals to innovate
in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity.

Learning computer programming through Python provides students with analytic thinking, creativity,
and the computational mind-set necessary for success in the modern technological landscape. As
both an educational tool and professional instrument, Python represents the perfect entry point into
the world of computer science.

References (Harvard Style)

Denning, P.J. (2019). Computing is a natural science. Communications of the ACM,62(7), 8-9. Grover,
S. & Pea, R. (2018). Computational thinking: A competency whose time has come. Computer Science
Education, 28(1), 1-5. Sebester, R. (2029). Concepts of programming Languages (12 th ed.). person
Education. Turing, A. M. (1936). On Computable Numbers, with an application to the

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Entscheidungsproblem. Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society, 42(2), 230-265. Van
Rossum, G. (1999). The History of Python. Python software foundation.

Wing, J. M. (2006). Computational Thinking. Communications of the ACM, 49(3), 33-35. Stack
Overflow. (2004). Developer Survey Results 2024. Stack Overflow. Available at:
https://survey.stackovrflow.co/2024/