Programming Fundamentals

Picture of Programming Fundamentals
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$389
AUD
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$599 AUD
Quick Facts
  • Delivery Method Online
  • Professional Certificate
  • 24hrs Suggested Study Time
  • 3 Months Access
  • Tutor Support
  • Study On Any Device
  • 2559 Students

Take your first steps toward a career as a computer programmer as you master basic programming concepts and get hands-on practice in writing applications containing GUIs, sound, and graphics.

Take your first steps toward a career as a computer programmer! In this course, you'll learn to use Just BASIC, a free Windows programming language, to create stand-alone applications for professional or personal use.

As you explore the BASIC programming language, you'll learn how to work with graphical user interfaces, controls, variables, arrays, conditional logic, and loops. You'll also examine subroutines, functions, and debugging. After that, you'll discover how to add sound and graphics to your Just BASIC programs. To reinforce the concepts in each lesson, you'll create a working computer-game application.

Even if you've never programmed before, you'll find it easy to follow the step-by-step instructions in each lesson. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and confidence you need to program in BASIC and design your own custom applications for home, school, or work.

Courses are delivered to you through expertly executed lessons, online instruction and interaction with like-minded students. Our courses are designed to deliver all of the benefits of studying in a classroom whilst giving you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit your needs. You can access your classroom 24/7 from any device with an internet connection.

This course has a 3 month duration. You'll complete comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments before submitting your final exam at the end of the course to achieve your certificate. Courses must be completed within the 3 month access period.

For many people, the prospect of learning how to become a computer programmer is more than a little scary. But in this first lesson, you’ll learn that you don't have to be a computer genius to learn how to program. I'll begin by going through a brief history of the evolution of computer programming. We'll cover some basic programming concepts and terms, and then we'll zero in specifically on Just BASIC, the programming language that we'll use throughout the course. We'll then download and install Just BASIC, and at the conclusion of the lesson, you'll create and execute your first Just BASIC program!

In order to work with any programming language, you need access to a set of software tools. These tools include such things as a code editor, a compiler or interpreter, and a source code debugger. In this lesson, I'll introduce you to the resources that Just BASIC provides. I'll show you how you'll use these tools to develop software applications. We'll also spend some time getting comfortable with Just BASIC’s code editor. You'll learn how to configure it to suit your personal preferences and work habits. Finally, for some great practice, we'll create your first actual computer game: the Legend of Mighty Molly.

We’ll begin this lesson by exploring how to create the fundamental building blocks of Windows application GUIs. You'll learn how to create different types of windows, including regular windows, text windows, graphics windows, and dialog windows. We’ll also cover some of the finer details of creating windows, such as how to set foreground and background colors and how to set font attributes. We’ll close out the lesson by creating the Math Madness computer game, which will give you some great practice in working with GUIs.

In Lesson 3, we learned how to create windows. Most desktop application user interfaces are more than just windows, however. They also consist of a collection of interface controls, such as buttons and text boxes. So controls are what we'll concentrate on in this lesson. Just BASIC allows you to create many different types of controls. We'll look at each of Just BASIC’s controls in detail, and then we'll examine each one’s programming syntax. And, as always, I'll have a cool application project for you to develop: the Lottery Picker application. By the end of this lesson, you should feel confident in your ability to create attractive, user-friendly graphical interfaces.

In this lesson, we’re going to continue our exploration of GUI elements. We’ll first talk about how to fine-tune your controls to make them do exactly what you want them to do. Then you’ll learn how to build application menus, an integral part of many applications. Next, we’ll dig into FreeForm-J, the powerful Just BASIC application that allows you to visually design your GUIs. We’ll wrap things up with a quick look at Just BASIC’s built-in dialogs, prebuilt tools that can communicate with users and even collect small amounts of information. We’ll also work on another project application: the Family Photo Album. This application will test all that you’ve learned so far about GUI elements.

The subject for this lesson is the retrieval and storage of data in computer memory. Specifically, we’ll be digging into how to store and retrieve individual pieces of data in variables. We’ll also take a look at how to store groups of data using arrays, including the rules to follow when naming variables and arrays. Another important topic is the different types of data that can be stored, along with how to convert numbers to strings and vice versa. To test your newfound knowledge, we’ll create a computer application called the Ask Mustafa game.

To create complex applications, a computer program needs a way of evaluating different values to determine a logical direction in which to proceed. As programmers, we do this with conditional programming statements that use mathematical, comparison, and logical operators. That’s what we’ll focus on in this lesson. With conditional logic, you can create applications that react differently depending on the data that they receive. This provides an interactive user experience and programs that are adaptive enough to handle different types of situations. To illustrate how conditional logic works, we’ll wrap up the lesson with a project application called the Karaoke Night game.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create and work with loops. Loops are code blocks that repeat a series of programming statements over and over again. Using loops, you can develop applications that can process large amounts of data using a minimum number of programming statements. We’ll look at how to use a number of different types of loops, and I’ll also explain the types of situations that each type of loop is best for. By the end of this lesson, you should feel confident enough in your knowledge of loops to create the Guess My Number game.

The larger your applications become, the more complicated your program code becomes. One effective way of making your programs easier to create and maintain is to break them up into small parts, called <em>procedures</em>. In this lesson, you'll learn how to work with two types of procedures: subroutines and functions. You'll learn how to pass data to your subroutines and functions for processing. You'll also learn how to return data back from functions. This lesson&rsquo;s application project is the BASIC BlackJack game, which will give you the opportunity to practice working with subroutines and functions.

Like most other programming languages, Just BASIC allows you to interact with your computer&rsquo;s file system. You can retrieve information about your computer's drives, and you can open files, read from them, write to them, and close them. As such, you can create reports, documents, and log files, so that's what we'll focus on in this lesson. The application for lesson is the Tic Tac Toe game. It&rsquo;s a project that will exercise many of the programming muscles that you&rsquo;ve developed throughout the course so far.

It&rsquo;s no secret that graphical user interfaces provide users with a stimulating interactive experience. Some programming languages, including Just BASIC, allow you to take things a step further by integrating sound and graphics into desktop applications, so that&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;ll focus on in this lesson. You&rsquo;ll learn how to draw custom graphics and how to incorporate WAV and MIDI sounds into your Windows applications. We&rsquo;ll also work on a new project application that should be a lot of fun: the Slot Machine game.

In this final lesson, you'll learn how to track down and deal with the errors that inevitably crop up when you develop a new software application. Program errors can occur for any number of reasons, so I'll show you the fundamental steps for identifying and correcting them. We'll talk about the development of error handling procedures, and we'll also investigate using Just BASIC&rsquo;s debugger as a means of keeping an eye on the internal operation of your programs. Your final project application will be to develop a computer version of that old classic, the Hangman game. On the surface, it seems like a simple program, but it will put all of your new Just BASIC skills to the test.

Richard Blum

Richard Blum

Richard Blum has been an IT industry professional for over 18 years, working mainly as a network and systems administrator. During this time, he has worked with Microsoft, Novell, Unix, and Linux servers, and has created Web sites using a variety ... Read more

Read Richard Blum's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Online learning is a flexible way to study that fits around your schedule, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll have 3 months to complete the course and can take the multiple-choice questions and final exam whenever it suits you.

If you need help, you can contact us anytime. You can also join the discussion area where you can interact with other students. The discussion area for each lesson is open for the entire duration of the course.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

We do not offer extensions or transfers for this self-paced course. However, you will have 3 months to complete the course, and if you need to cancel within the first 10 days of enrolment, we offer a money back guarantee.

The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Programming Fundamentals you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.

Ready to get started?

Enrol Now

Our Values

Learn At Your Own Pace

We believe in personalised learning. That's why we provide all the tools and support you need to succeed at your own pace. With flexible learning, you'll stay motivated and retain more information. Plus, you can balance your studies with work and family commitments to make your dreams a reality.

We Won't Break The Bank

Education should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn. That's why we offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry with payments plans for just $25 per week. Investing in your future is a smart choice and doesn’t have to break the bank.

Industry-Led Courses

There's no better way to learn than from experts with years of experience in your field. That's why each of our 200+ industry-led courses are designed to give you a real-life perspective on your industry. With our expert mentors, you'll learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and who are passionate about sharing it with you.

Get The Personal Support You Deserve

At Vibe Learning, we're real people who are dedicated to providing you with personal support every step of the way. Our industry experts are not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing their expertise with you. With their guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge to help you succeed.

Still looking?

Check out the following courses related to Programming Fundamentals:

Database Development Fundamentals Online Course | Vibe Learning
 

Database Development Fundamentals

Picture of Database Development Fundamentals
Quick Facts
  • Delivery Method Online
  • Professional Certificate
  • 24hrs Suggested Study Time
  • 3 Months Access
  • Tutor Support
  • Study On Any Device
  • 7136 Students

An experienced professional guides you through a structured approach to database design and development.

A number of powerful tools are available to help you build databases and database applications. However, if you do not apply a systematic, structured approach to the use of those tools, you will probably produce systems that fail to meet user needs. Many projects bog down or are never completed for lack of a disciplined approach to development. This course will guide you step-by-step through all the phases of a system development project to guarantee that the resulting product will not only work as it was designed to work, but also that the design truly responds to user needs.

Courses are delivered to you through expertly executed lessons, online instruction and interaction with like-minded students. Our courses are designed to deliver all of the benefits of studying in a classroom whilst giving you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit your needs. You can access your classroom 24/7 from any device with an internet connection.

This course has a 3 month duration. You'll complete comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments before submitting your final exam at the end of the course to achieve your certificate. Courses must be completed within the 3 month access period.

Who can benefit from a database? Anyone who needs to store data and later retrieve meaning from that data. In this lesson, you'll see where databases came from, explore the major types, and see how the various parts fit together.

In this lesson, we'll define and describe the major components of a database system. You'll learn about the System Development Life Cycle, which practically guarantees the success of any database system you produce.

Today, you will learn how important the non-technical portions of a development project are. You'll see why it's not enough to build a system that meets design goals--it also needs to satisfy the people who will use it. You'll learn how to build an Entity-Relationship model that is based on a consensus of what all the stakeholders need.

This lesson will teach you how to find out what the client organization really needs from the development project--it may be very different from what they originally asked for! We'll discuss the pros and cons of either upgrading an existing system or building a new one from scratch

Relational databases are by far the most commonly used database type today. They're the most likely type of database that you will find yourself designing and using. In this lesson, you'll learn the relational model: how to create relational databases that have the right combination of performance and reliability to meet your needs.

This lesson is the pivot point of our course: Today, you will learn how to translate the Entity-Relationship model into a relational model that you can implement directly as a database. A model that accurately describes the system you are modeling is your best guarantee that the system you deliver will perform as you need it to.

Today, we move to the hands-on portion of the course. You will take what you have learned so far to build an actual database, using the popular Microsoft Access database management system. The database will track important information for a fictitious nonprofit organization.

In this lesson, you will learn how to build a database with the SQL language--a language that is supported by all relational database management systems. You'll also learn how to protect it from accidental or intentional harm.

Databases store data. That's important, but it's not worth much if you can't pick and choose the information you want to retrieve from the database. Today you will learn how to create a database application that will give users a turnkey tool for retrieving exactly the information they want with a minimum of hassle.

It's more important than ever to ensure that your company's organizational data does not fall into the wrong hands. This lesson teaches you how to control who accesses your data. We'll also cover how to protect your data if your hardware fails or if some other unexpected disaster occurs.

This lesson takes you to the next level--creating sophisticated database applications by combining code written with procedural languages such as Visual Basic, or C with SQL statements. We'll go on to discuss how to make databases and database applications available on an organization's network and on the World Wide Web.

This lesson emphasizes the critically important (but often overlooked) human aspect of a database development project. Your client may not have a clear idea of what they want at the outset of your database project. That means your communication and interpersonal skills are going to be just as important as your technical expertise. After we complete this final piece of the database puzzle, you'll be ready to create database systems that truly meet the needs of your client organization.

Allen Taylor

Allen Taylor

Allen G. Taylor is a 30-year veteran of the computer industry and the author of 28 computer-related books, including "Crystal Reports 2008 For Dummies," "Database Development For Dummies" and "SQL For Dummies." He has been teaching computer course... Read more

Read Allen Taylor's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Online learning is a flexible way to study that fits around your schedule, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll have 3 months to complete the course and can take the multiple-choice questions and final exam whenever it suits you.

If you need help, you can contact us anytime. You can also join the discussion area where you can interact with other students. The discussion area for each lesson is open for the entire duration of the course.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

We do not offer extensions or transfers for this self-paced course. However, you will have 3 months to complete the course, and if you need to cancel within the first 10 days of enrolment, we offer a money back guarantee.

The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Database Development Fundamentals you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.

Our Values

Learn At Your Own Pace

We believe in personalised learning. That's why we provide all the tools and support you need to succeed at your own pace. With flexible learning, you'll stay motivated and retain more information. Plus, you can balance your studies with work and family commitments to make your dreams a reality.

We Won't Break The Bank

Education should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn. That's why we offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry with payments plans for just $25 per week. Investing in your future is a smart choice and doesn’t have to break the bank.

Industry-Led Courses

There's no better way to learn than from experts with years of experience in your field. That's why each of our 200+ industry-led courses are designed to give you a real-life perspective on your industry. With our expert mentors, you'll learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and who are passionate about sharing it with you.

Get The Personal Support You Deserve

At Vibe Learning, we're real people who are dedicated to providing you with personal support every step of the way. Our industry experts are not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing their expertise with you. With their guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge to help you succeed.

Still looking?

Check out the following courses related to Database Development Fundamentals: