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Notes for section 1 - Introduction to programming - #1

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Jul 20, 2026
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Notes for section 1 - Introduction to programming#1
the-sankari merged 1 commit into
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This pull request adds explanatory notes to the 1.1_introduction_to_programming.md file, clarifying key concepts related to source code, compilation, and interpretation. The notes also specifically highlight Python's status as an interpreted language and its implications.

New conceptual notes:

  • Added definitions for "source code" and "source file" to clarify the distinction between code and its containing file.
  • Added explanations of "compilation" and "interpretation," including the roles of compilers and interpreters and the consequences for code distribution.
  • Explained that programming languages are generally designed to be either compiled or interpreted, with few exceptions.

Python-specific context:

  • Clarified that Python is an interpreted language, discussed the need for the Python interpreter, and mentioned that Python is free and often called a scripting language.

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the-sankari requested a review from Copilot July 20, 2026 15:11
@the-sankari the-sankari self-assigned this Jul 20, 2026
@the-sankari the-sankari added the documentation Improvements or additions to documentation label Jul 20, 2026
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the-sankari merged commit 069e556 into main Jul 20, 2026
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the-sankari deleted the pe1-mod-1-sec-1 branch July 20, 2026 15:11

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Pull request overview

This PR adds introductory explanatory notes for Module 1, defining core terms (source code/source file) and contrasting compilation vs. interpretation, with Python-specific context on requiring an interpreter.

Changes:

  • Added definitions for “source code” and “source file”.
  • Added explanations of compilation vs. interpretation and implications for distribution/execution.
  • Added Python-specific notes positioning Python as interpreted and requiring an interpreter.

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### Source code:

`A program written in a high level programming language is call a source code ( in contrast to the ma hine code executed by computers).`

### Source file:

`The file containing the source code is called the source file`

### Compilation:

`The source program is translated once by getting a file containing the machine code. Now we can distribute the file worldwide; the program that performs this translation is called a compiler or translator.`

### Interpretation:

`We can translate the source program each time it has to be run. The program performing this kind of tranformation is called an interpreter, as it interprets the code every time it is intended to be executed. It also means that we cannot just distribute the source code as-is, becayse the end-user also needs the interpreter to execute it.`

Due to some very fundamental reasons, a particular high-level programming language is designed to fall into one of these two categories.

There are very few languages that can be both compiled and interpreted. Usually, a programming language is projected with this factor in its constructors' minds – will it be compiled or interpreted?

There are very few languages that can be both compiled and interpreted. Usually, a programming language is projected with this factor in its constructors' minds – will it be compiled or interpreted?

- # read-check-execute
### What does this all mean for us?

- Python is an interpreted language. This means that it inherits all the described advantages and disadvantages. Of course, it adds some of its unique features to both sets.
- If we want to program in Python, we'll need the Python interpreter. we won't be able to run our code without it. Fortunately, Python is free. This is one of its most important advantages.
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