Notes from 9/1/11

An interpreted language translates from source code into machine code every time it is run.
A compiled language translates source code into machine code once (compiles) and then can run many times.

Software layers
Applications
Operationg system (which moves the cursor, executes apps, manages windows and files, etc.)
Device Drivers (the link between hardware and the operating system)
BIOS, filmware (Basic Imput Output Source/System or something)

Console application - a program with a simple text user interface
GUI - Graphical User Interface - includes graphics, menus, buttoms, etc.
OOP - Object-Oriented Programming

Things software developers do:
Research, e.g. absorb and use emerging technical information
Design, e.g. understand and devise effective algorithms
Debugging, e.g. diagnose and correct programming errors
Developing, e.g. be proficient with the syntax and style of programming languages

Software development has changed by...
utilizing new hardware/devices such as touch screens, more powerful machines which can run longer/more complicated code, store more data such as pictures, music, and videos, and multitask/switch from one thing to another rapidly giving the illusion that the two (or more) are happening simultaneously.
Software now has more security, is more user-friendly, and can accomodate multiple users.

Embedded system - software in devices other than computers, such as cars, phones, planes, etc.)

//basic Java program
pulic class MyClass{

          Public static void main(string[]args){
            System.out.println("Hello Class);
           }
}

Notes on Java:
//comments
class - category of object
public - anyone can access
private - only accessible within that class
field=variable
method=function
method signature=function definition
semicolon - end of piece of code

MyClass.java

Saving:
Name of file has to match class name. Make the file plain text.