English for Beginners: Programming Basics

Dialogue

Alice: Hey Bob, what are you doing with that book? It looks like it’s written in alien language!

Bob: Hi Alice! This is a programming book. I’m trying to learn the basics.

Alice: Programming? Like making robots dance?

Bob: Well, kind of! It’s about giving instructions to a computer. Think of it like a recipe.

Alice: So, if I want my computer to make a sandwich, I write “take bread, add cheese”?

Bob: Exactly! But in “code.” We call those “instructions.”

Alice: “Code.” So, my computer understands “cheese sandwich code”?

Bob: Almost! We use special words. Like, if you want it to make a decision, you use “if/else.”

Alice: “If” the fridge is empty, “else” make a sandwich?

Bob: Perfect example, Alice! You’re getting it!

Alice: What about a “loop”? Does the computer run around in circles?

Bob: (chuckles) No, a loop means doing something repeatedly. Like, “bake for 20 minutes” – that’s a loop.

Alice: Ah, so “if” the oven is on, “loop” checking the cookies every minute?

Bob: You’re a natural! And if something goes wrong, it’s called a “bug.”

Alice: A bug? Like a tiny insect crawling inside the computer?

Bob: (laughs) Not quite! It’s a mistake in the code. We “debug” it to fix it.

Alice: So I need a bug spray for my computer?

Bob: (smiling) No, just your brain! You find the mistake and change the instructions.

Alice: This sounds like fun! Can I try making a sandwich program?

Bob: Of course! Let’s start with “hello world” first. It’s tradition!

Current Situation

Programming basics are more relevant than ever in our digital world. Learning to code, even just the fundamental concepts, helps us understand how technology works. It’s not just for computer scientists; many jobs now benefit from basic coding knowledge, and it fosters problem-solving skills. With numerous free online resources and beginner-friendly languages, it’s never been easier to start learning. From creating simple apps to understanding websites, the ability to give instructions to a computer is a powerful skill.

Key Phrases

Programming basics: The programming basics include understanding how computers follow instructions.
Give instructions to a computer: You give instructions to a computer by writing code.
Write code: To make a program, you need to write code.
If/else: The if/else statement helps the computer make decisions.
Loop: A loop makes the computer do something many times.
Bug: Oh no, there’s a bug in my program; it’s not working right!
Debug: I need to debug this code to find and fix the error.
Hello world: My first program just printed “Hello world!” on the screen.
Problem-solving skills: Learning to code really improves your problem-solving skills.

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple Tense

We use the Present Simple to talk about general truths, habits, and facts. It’s perfect for describing what programming is or what a computer does.

Structure: Subject + Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it).
Examples from dialogue:
- “This is a programming book.”
- “It’s about giving instructions.”
- “A loop means doing something repeatedly.”

2. Imperatives (Giving Instructions)

Imperatives are used to give direct commands or instructions. In programming, you constantly give instructions!

Structure: Verb (base form) + Object/Complement. (The subject “you” is understood, not written).
Examples from dialogue (Alice’s analogy):
- “Take bread, add cheese.”
- “Let’s start with ‘hello world’.” (This is a suggestion, a softer imperative)

3. Wh-Questions

We use Wh-questions (What, Where, When, Why, Who, How) to ask for specific information.

Structure: Wh-word + auxiliary verb (do/does/is/are) + subject + main verb.
Examples from dialogue:
- “What are you doing…?”
- “What about a ‘loop’?”

4. Can/Can’t (Ability/Possibility)

“Can” and “can’t” (cannot) are modal verbs used to express ability or possibility.

Structure: Subject + can/can’t + base verb.
Example from dialogue:
- “Can I try making a sandwich program?”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank (Key Phrases)

Choose the best key phrase to complete each sentence.

To tell a computer what to do, you need to ____ ____.
A ____ is a mistake in your program.
If you want to fix a mistake, you need to ____ the program.
“____ ____” is a common first program for beginners.
The ____ ____ statement helps a computer make choices.

Exercise 2: Complete the sentences (Present Simple)

Use the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

A computer ____ (follow) instructions.
Programming ____ (help) you think logically.
A loop ____ (repeat) an action.
I ____ (learn) programming basics.
She ____ (want) to make a game.

Exercise 3: Make an instruction (Imperative)

Turn these ideas into direct instructions, like you’re talking to a computer.

(Tell a computer to print “Hi!”): ____ “Hi!”.
(Tell a computer to start): ____ the program.
(Tell a computer to stop): ____ here.

Exercise 4: Answer the questions (Short answers)

Answer “Yes, it is/does/can” or “No, it isn’t/doesn’t/can’t”.

Is programming only for experts?
Does a “bug” mean an insect in the computer?
Do loops make the computer run in circles?
Can you give instructions to a computer?

Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank

write code
bug
debug
Hello world
if/else

Exercise 2: Complete the sentences

follows
helps
repeats
learn
wants

Exercise 3: Make an instruction

Print “Hi!”.
Start the program.
Stop here.

Exercise 4: Answer the questions

No, it isn’t.
No, it doesn’t.
No, they don’t.
Yes, you can.

Programming basics