Your First Program

Congratulations! You're about to write your first program. We'll start with the traditional "Hello, World!" program and explore basic programming concepts.

🌍 Why "Hello, World!"?

The "Hello, World!" program is a time-honored tradition in programming. It's usually the first program that new programmers write because it:

  • Tests that your development environment is working correctly
  • Introduces basic syntax of the programming language
  • Gives you the satisfaction of running your first program
  • Connects you to a long tradition of programmers

Hello World in Different Languages

🐍

Python

# Your first Python program
print("Hello, World!")

# Variables and basic operations
name = "Alice"
age = 25
print(f"My name is {name} and I'm {age} years old")

# Simple calculation
x = 10
y = 5
result = x + y
print(f"{x} + {y} = {result}")

Python uses simple, readable syntax. The print() function displays text, and f-strings make it easy to include variables in your output.

How to Run:

  1. 1Save the code in a file called hello.py
  2. 2Open terminal/command prompt
  3. 3Navigate to the file location
  4. 4Run: python hello.py
🟨

JavaScript

// Your first JavaScript program
console.log("Hello, World!");

// Variables and basic operations
let name = "Alice";
let age = 25;
console.log(`My name is ${name} and I'm ${age} years old`);

// Simple calculation
let x = 10;
let y = 5;
let result = x + y;
console.log(`${x} + ${y} = ${result}`);

JavaScript uses console.log() to display output. Template literals (backticks) make it easy to include variables in strings.

How to Run:

  1. 1Save the code in a file called hello.js
  2. 2Open terminal/command prompt
  3. 3Navigate to the file location
  4. 4Run: node hello.js

Java

// Your first Java program
public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
        
        // Variables and basic operations
        String name = "Alice";
        int age = 25;
        System.out.println("My name is " + name + " and I'm " + age + " years old");
        
        // Simple calculation
        int x = 10;
        int y = 5;
        int result = x + y;
        System.out.println(x + " + " + y + " = " + result);
    }
}

Java requires a class structure and a main method. System.out.println() displays output, and you need to declare variable types.

How to Run:

  1. 1Save the code in a file called HelloWorld.java
  2. 2Open terminal/command prompt
  3. 3Compile: javac HelloWorld.java
  4. 4Run: java HelloWorld

Basic Programming Concepts

Variables

Store data values that can be used and changed

Example: name = "Alice" stores the text "Alice" in a variable called name

Functions

Reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks

Example: print() is a function that displays text on the screen

Data Types

Different kinds of data like text, numbers, true/false

Example: "Hello" is text, 42 is a number, True is a boolean

Comments

Notes in your code that explain what it does

Example: # This is a comment in Python, // This is a comment in JavaScript

🎯 Try It Yourself

Now it's your turn! Try modifying the Hello World program:

Easy Challenges:

  • Change "Hello, World!" to your name
  • Add another print statement
  • Create variables for your age and city
  • Try different text and numbers

Next Steps:

  • Ask the user for their name (input)
  • Use an if statement for conditions
  • Create a simple loop
  • Write a basic function

Common Beginner Errors

Syntax Error

Typos or incorrect code structure

Example: Missing quotes, parentheses, or semicolons

Solution: Check for typos and make sure all brackets/quotes are closed

Name Error

Using a variable that doesn't exist

Example: print(nam) when you meant print(name)

Solution: Check variable names for typos and make sure they're defined

Indentation Error

Incorrect spacing (mainly in Python)

Example: Mixing tabs and spaces, or wrong indentation level

Solution: Use consistent indentation (4 spaces is standard)

🐛 Debugging Tips for Beginners

When Your Code Doesn't Work:

  • Read the error message carefully
  • Check for typos in variable names
  • Make sure all brackets and quotes match
  • Try running the code line by line

Good Debugging Habits:

  • Add print statements to see what's happening
  • Test small pieces of code separately
  • Use your editor's syntax highlighting
  • Don't be afraid to start over with a simpler version
  • Ask for help when you're stuck
🎉

Congratulations!

You've just written your first program! This is the beginning of an exciting journey. Every expert programmer started exactly where you are now.

First Program Complete!

🚀 What's Next?

Now that you've written your first program, here are some great next steps:

  • Explore more about your chosen programming language
  • Learn about variables, loops, and functions in depth
  • Try building a simple calculator or guessing game
  • Join programming communities and forums
  • Start working on small projects that interest you