Turing

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Turing is a programming language used in some schools to teach programming to beginners. It is a good example of the RAD design philosophy, which emphasizes ease and speed of software development. C is a better language for writing low-level code, and for professionals in general. Turing can be used to teach logic, algebra, geometry, physics, chemistry, and music theory.

Prerequisites

• Possession of a copy of Turing (free download, development is stopped)
  • You can get a copy of Turing (4.1.1) here
• Understanding of basic computing concepts in DOS and/or Windows.
• Completion of or concurrent enrollment in
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Introduction to Programming Logic
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • College Algebra, Math for computer programming, or equivalent.
• Intentions to succeed and a commitment to learning.

This course is an introductory course in the field of computer programming. It does not require any prior knowledge of practicing computer programming.

Course Description

This course is intended to teach you all notable aspects of computer programming with the Turing programming language.

Note: Since this course is still under construction, so, you may find one of these tutorials more handy right now.

Pros and Cons of Turing

Pros

• Simple syntax and built-in Math, Timing, and Input/Output functions
• Easy to learn. Logical operator names for the most part
• Is potentially a lot more powerful than the average C or C++ programmer may think. It depends on the coder's ability and knowledge.
• Runs on every copy of WinXP ever released, by default.
• Runs almost as fast as C, C++, etc. for simple programs
• Can be used to develop 3d games, and can display 512 filled triangles at 20 frames per second on a Pentium 4
• Isn't yet all the way towards becoming completely dead

Cons

• Is not as powerful as a language like C, C++, or Assembly in that it cannot easily access low-level functions such as are needed for device driver programming (Beginners probably won't care)
• Runs significantly slower than C, C++, etc. in some situations
• Developer releases latest buggy version for free, version 4.05 is better in some situations. Developer is out of business.

Lessons

Introductory lectures

1. Introduction - Design a simple application
2. Hello World - Sample application
3. Variables and Types - store and manipulate values
4. Control Structures and Logical Expressions - If statements and do loops
5. Functions and Subroutines - Segment your programs
6. Basic Graphical User Interfaces - Intro to built-in GUI functions, and custom GUI routines.
7. Event-Driven Design - Event handling.
8. Answers To Programming Language Exercises - Answers

Intermediate lectures

1. Group Study at U of G Library, contact user pages of other students for details.

Advanced lectures

1. Introductory Game Design

Reference

1. Turing Syntax
2. Turing Functions

External Links

• Turing Download