Computer Programs & F=ma

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING & PHYSICS F = MA

Programming: Elements: Variables, Control Structures, Functions

What are the basic elements of all programming languages? I would say the variables, control structures, and functions. I based this on OS software programming, not application software programming. Variables allow a program to store their values in a single address. Control structures allow a program to change the program flow. And functions allow a program to perform an action. Functions are optimized when using OOP language, but not when using a strictly procedural language like the earlier versions of COBOL and FORTRAN.

What is the most important programming element ever invented? At first glance, I inclined toward variables. However, one can always write a program without using variables, like they've done in the 1940's. Control structures are too elementary a concept. So, I would say the most important programming element ever invented is the function. Back in the 1940's, computers were made to simulate a function. For example, the U.S. Army needed to build a computer to calculate the best angle of fire to blast their targets (the Germans and the Japanese in WW II) to smithereens.

Happy programming!

John Sindayen

Science: Physics: F = ma

What is F = ma? Newton's second law of motion states F = ma, where F is the minimum Force necessary to move an object, m is the mass of the object, and a is the minimum acceleration necessary to move the object.

How do you explain F = ma? Take for example a car with the engine off needs to be towed using a chain by a car with the engine on. The amount of Force necessary for the car that is running to budge the car that is not running is equal to the mass of the car that is not running times the acceleration of the car that is running. Of course, there is also friction to consider, but not as much since both cars have 4 wheels each.

Vroom! Vroom! Vroooooom!

John Sindayen