​RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Mohith Konduru
Independent Research
2017-2018

Title​: A Place to Start Programming: An Evaluation of Computer Programming Languages

Through Debugging Methods

Overview of Research​:
The effectiveness of certain languages when iterating code are very debatable. Some people
find various programming languages easier to use for different reasons. Those reasons include
the languages mechanics or the applications associated with it. Programming languages all vary
in certain categories such as errors caught, run time and user-friendliness. All of the
characteristics were considered and a scale was created to evaluate each application in each
programming language to ultimately solve the problem of which programming language is the
best place to start for beginners who are proficient learners in the field of computer science. An
experiment will be conducted that allows programming applications of various languages (C++,
Java and Python) to iterate programs. Once each application does so, the performance will be
evaluated using the scale mentioned before. In the end of the research, a programming language
that is a good place for beginners to start programming in will be determined.

Background and Rationale​:

Computer programming is creating a set of instructions that allows a computer to perform
human-like tasks. It once started out as a simple activity that was done to past time and explore
technology. Schools are even beginning to integrate computer programming in their course
selections for students. However schools often misinterpret what language is the best to teach the
students. There are many different computer programming languages and programming tools to
program on. The three most popular are Python, C++, and Java. Python is referred to as a
high-interpreted programming language that is used for general life purposes. Java programming
is a language that enforces an object-oriented approach that makes it simpler for users. C++ is
the complex language in which professionals use for scripting and highly advanced web
development. Many might find different reasons to get involved in a certain programming
language rather than another. However certain characteristics must be taken into consideration
when beginning to program.
The language of Java consists of a unique portability and it has the capability of operating
similarly on any hardware or operating system. Java has always been the go-to language for
software developers to use because it accomplishes the complex computational tasks with
simplicity. C++ is a sophisticated, efficient and a general-purpose programming language based
on user experience and is always changing and developing due to the fact that there were many
bugs, incompatibilities and incongruities when it first started to be used. A C++ programmer
usually spends a considerable amount of effort to no other end than to make the program work.
Meaning even the simplest tasks may take a while to accomplish. Python is referred to as a
high-interpreted programming language that is used for general life purposes. It combines simple
syntax, abundant online resources and a rich ecosystem of scientifically focused toolkits with a
heavy emphasis on community. This programming language’s growth in popularity is credited to
the usage of big data analytics.
The rationale behind the research being conducted is to contribute to the field of
computer science by creating an interest for the field for students who are beginning to learn how
to program. Many people who find an interest are not persistent and abandon the field
completely before understanding all the characteristics, so this research will present the audience
with information that will help make it easier to understand programming languages and
debugging methods.

Research Methodology​:
Research Question​:
What programming applications in various languages consist of the best debugging
methods for beginners starting to program?
Research Thesis​:
When first starting to program the language that should be used in order to get the best
insight of the field is Python because of the extensive features that help with debugging methods
and its user -friendliness when detecting errors. The main characteristics that should be
considered when beginning to program is the consistency of the application tool and its ability to
help the programmer decide between two similar methods.
Research Design Model​:
The specific design model used was quasi-experimental research. This design model is
similar to the standard experimental research model. In the experiment the data was collected
through a quantitative method. The quasi-experimental research model applies to the study
because there is no control group and in this case random assignment groups was not feasible.
The variables of the experiment contained no control group. The independent variable was the
programming application that would be iterating the code for each language. The dependent
variable was the rating the application received when evaluating how well the application
iterated certain programs. The code for the programs remained constant throughout the
experiment.
Data Collection​:
The original data collection was done based on the scale that evaluated each application.
The scale was a numerical chart that assigned a rating to each tool based on how well it
examined the program. Since the data was taken numerically, the research was quantitative.
Access to programming applications was necessary to conduct the experiment. This access was
available and the ability to write simple programs was used. So the researcher was able to
conduct a live experiment and examine the results. The data was collected from the scale created
by the researcher and programming applications downloaded and used to iterate programs to be
evaluated. Python is the most effective computer programming language to learn for beginners
because of its various user-friendly characteristics was gathered from the research. This affects
beginners and students who are just starting to learn how to program. One can also conclude
from the research that consistency is the most important idea to maintain as students grow and
develop as a computer programmer or computer scientist. Python achieves the standards of
consistency no matter how simple or complex the program being iterated is. The results gathered
from the research explain the characteristics if the different languages and inform the readers
about the field of computer programing as a whole. So the research would be best presented on a
webpage that engages the audience of proficient learners of computer science.
The research conducted and the results gathered present new findings. Opinions have
been shared by professionals about which programming knowledge is easiest to them and why,
but the research conducted allows the languages to be evaluated by the proficient learner
deciding whether or not to start programming. The information is new to students and
individuals who are being taught about computer science or are just experimenting with
computational learning. The literature review supports the effectiveness of the debugging
methods in Python compared to the other languages. The sources also agree with the conclusion
that consistency, when starting to learn to program, is the most characteristic to consider.

Product Objectives:
The product of the research gathered will be showcased on a website that informs the
audience of the conclusions drawn from iterating the programs and using various programming
applications in different programming languages. The information presented will teach the
audience about the characteristics of each language and what to pay attention to when starting to
program. The audience will also be informed which language will be the best to start with, but
also gives a description for each language which allows the audience to decide from themselves.
A viewer may even disagree with the researcher. That’s why a website is the best product to use
because it presents the results gathered in a cohesive way and is easily accessible to people who
are interested in programming.
The target audience for the results of the research are proficient learners who are just
beginning to find an interest in computer science and programming. The information presented
will answer most of the questions a beginner may have when starting out. It will act as a manual
or beginners guide. The outcomes may even relate to teachers and educators who use certain
tactics to teach their students computer science. Such tactics may not keep the audience engaged
in the field. The research can even be beneficial to these instructors and provide them with tools
and characteristics about programming that have not been brought up in their classes.
 The best way to present this research is a website. The website is beneficial for students
who need a reference to use when learning computer science. It can also be beneficial because of
its accessibility to educators and instructors when teaching their class.

Logistical Considerations:
Not many resources or money is required to create a website to present the research. A
special consideration that may be needed would be an ad to promote the website and draw
attention to it. All of the research was conducted by the researcher so no permission is needed to
present the results on a webpage. All sources of information and individuals that helped in the
research will be mentioned as well. A timeline will be added that outlines the data collection,
product development, and audience distribution.
Approval​:

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Student Signature G/T Resource Teacher Signature Mentor/Advisor

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