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Programming Languages Ⅰ

Sukyoung Ryu

The goal of this course is to help students:

1. learn new languages quickly,

2. evaluate various languages and pick the most suitable one for a given task,

3. know when and how to design a little language, and

4. understand the effects of languages on thought and communication.

We will study programming language concepts, not as paradigms but as a set of basic building blocks, by 1) implementing interpreters for the concepts using the Scala programming language and 2) rigorously discussing the concepts using the operational semantics.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Programming Languages: Syntax and Semantics

Programming Languages with Identifiers

First-Order Functions and First-Class Functions

Lambda Calculus and Recursive Functions

Mutable Data Structures and Variables

Garbage Collection and Lazy Evaluation

Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Sukyoung Ryu, who are recognized for their work in programming languages

Develops programming language concepts and operational semantics, which are core skills for computer science

Examines programming language concepts in a rigorous and fundamental way, which is highly relevant to computer science theory and practice

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials, which can help learners apply the concepts they learn

Provides a strong foundation for beginners and strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners, which makes it suitable for a wide range of students

Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant to industry, which can help learners advance their careers

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Programming Languages Ⅰ with these activities:

Review “Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs”

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Review the book “Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs” to provide background on high level programming language concepts.

View Structure and Interpretation of Computer... on Amazon

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Read the first two chapters from the book to get an overview of the language.
Complete the programming exercises at the end of each chapter.

Follow guided tutorials on lambda calculus and recursion

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Gain a deeper understanding of lambda calculus and recursion.

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Find online tutorials on lambda calculus and recursion.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
Discuss the concepts with fellow students or a mentor.

Practice writing and analyzing expressions in lambda calculus

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Improve your ability to manipulate and understand expressions in lambda calculus.

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Write at least 10 lambda calculus expressions.
Analyze the expressions and determine their values.
Compare your results with other students or a mentor.

Four other activities

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Organize peer-led study sessions on challenging topics

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Reinforce concepts through peer-to-peer learning and discussion.

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Identify challenging topics in the course.
Form study groups with other students.
Meet regularly to discuss the assigned topics.

Attend a workshop on compiler design or programming language implementation

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Gain practical experience in designing and implementing programming languages.

Browse courses on Compiler Design

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Find a workshop on compiler design or programming language implementation.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate.

Create a visual representation of the operational semantics of a simple programming language

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Develop a deeper understanding of the operational semantics of programming languages.

Browse courses on Operational Semantics

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Choose a simple programming language.
Study the operational semantics of the language.
Create a visual representation of the operational semantics.

Contribute to an open-source compiler or programming language project

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Gain practical experience in compiler design and programming language implementation.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Find an open-source compiler or programming language project.
Identify a bug or feature to work on.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming Languages Ⅰ will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

"Programming Languages I" could be a valuable course if you wish to pursue a career as a Software Engineer. Learning programming language concepts and implementing interpreters for the concepts using the Scala programming language could greatly benefit you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Systems Programmer

As a Systems Programmer, you must have a solid understanding of programming languages and concepts. With a focus on helping students learn new languages quickly and evaluate various ones to pick the most suitable one for a given task, the "Programming Languages I" course could help you in this.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Programmer

Software Developer

The "Programming Languages I" course could be of significant use to you as a Software Developer. The course content concentrates on assisting students in learning new languages. As a Software Developer, knowing different programming languages is helpful and can make you more valuable to your team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

As a Computer Programmer, you may be finding yourself drawn to and working with different languages at a time. This course in "Programming Languages I" could help you as you continue to develop your career. Learning to implement interpreters, rigorously discuss concepts, and study programming language concepts can all help you excel in your role as a 'Computer Programmer.'

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer and Information Research Scientist

As a Computer and Information Research Scientist, you may need to have a deep understanding of programming languages and concepts. The "Programming Languages I" course could be useful as it helps students learn new languages quickly and evaluate various ones to pick the most suitable for a given task.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer Systems Analyst

In your role as a Computer Systems Analyst, you are responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing computer systems. Taking "Programming Languages I" could be a great way for you to build a foundation. It'll help you become better at designing, developing, and implementing computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Mobile Application Developer

If your goal is to become a Mobile Application Developer, you could find the "Programming Languages I" course quite helpful. It covers topics such as syntax and semantics, programming languages with identifiers, and lambda calculus. These concepts can help you advance your career as a Mobile Application Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Data Scientist

Learning about programming languages, syntax, semantics, and other related topics in the "Programming Languages I" course could be useful for you in your career as a Data Scientist. You'll be able to evaluate various languages and pick the most suitable one for a given task.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

As a future Web Developer, taking the "Programming Languages I" course could be useful by enhancing your skillset. It'll assist you in learning new languages quickly and evaluating various languages to pick the most suitable one for a given task.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Support Specialist

If you intend on becoming a Computer Support Specialist, studying "Programming Languages I" could provide some assistance. It'll help you learn about programming language concepts and implement interpreters for the concepts using the Scala programming language. These can be helpful for a career as a Computer Support Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Information Security Analyst

There may be many duties you take on as an Information Security Analyst, including but not limited to planning, implementing, and managing information security measures. Taking "Programming Languages I" could help you become a more well-rounded professional in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Information Technology Project Manager

In your role as an Information Technology Project Manager, you could find the course "Programming Languages I" helpful. It covers topics such as syntax and semantics, and lambda calculus. These concepts can help you excel in your role as an Information Technology Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Project Manager

Computer Hardware Engineer

The "Programming Languages I" course could help you in your career as a Computer Hardware Engineer. Learning programming language concepts such as syntax and semantics, and programming languages with identifiers could greatly benefit you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Database Administrator

"Programming Languages I" may be a beneficial course for you if you wish to pursue a career as a Database Administrator. It covers topics such as syntax and semantics, programming languages with identifiers, and garbage collection and lazy evaluation. These concepts could help you build a solid foundation as a Database Administrator.

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Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Programming Languages Ⅰ.

Theories of Programming Languages

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Classic text on programming language concepts. It good reference for the basic concepts that are covered in the course.

Programming Languages Ⅰ

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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