The drones need to send its coordinates every 5 minutes to you and the agents. So we need a way of storing these coordinates that are sent. In PHP, we can store messages in a Variable. You can think of a variable as a uniquely named/labeled container which we can use to store data.
This data in a variable can be
To create a variable in PHP you have to give it a name. Note that all variable names must start with a dollar sign “$”. Giving it a value (i.e., assigning the variable its data) is optional at this point. But you have to give it a value before you use it later in your code. Variables are uniquely labeled. This means that in your PHP script, you cannot have variables with the exact same name.
(Hover over the numbers for details)
We want to create a variable called “spaceshipName” and give it the value of “Pluto”. How would we do that?
Note: in PHP, all lines of code must end with a semicolon.
Let’s play around with variables in the PHP compiler below. You’ll see our PHP code created around variables.
Change the values of the variables value.
And add echo statements to print out the variable values. Be creative and play around. Click run to see what happens.
Now it is time to practice,
Click on the “fork me” below to edit the PHP code directly.
Remember – your task is to help Agent Gail to build the drone’s software that will help locate spaceship Galaxy X. For the drones to detect spaceship Galaxy X, they would need to have the name of the spaceship in their database.
Now create a variable that would store the name of the spaceship, the lost spaceship is called Galaxy X as you know.
Click on the “fork me” below to edit the PHP code directly.
Great job – you’ve learnt about variables and data types. And created a storage system for Agent Gail’s drones.
Next up – let’s learn about Data Types in PHP. This will help us create a more complex storage system for our drones.
Whitespace – basically empty space (like spaces, tabs, or enter button) that makes the code look neat and organized, but the computer doesn’t care about it.
A User – is any person that interacts (by inputs) with a program without having to write the code directly. For example, you are the user to the code that makes your browser/website run. When you clicked on this pop-up, that was the input that made this explanation come up when the code detected it.
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All learners who are aspiring web developers will have an opportunity to build a website for a live NGO or charity client as part of their community service hours. This project will be run jointly with Community Hours – so all your time spent counts towards your LO credits. This event is suitable for learners, parents and their teachers.
TechWays will be providing the WordPress course and web dev resources for free to any learner wanting to participate.
Besides the amazing community service you’ll be doing for a charity in need – you’ll also be building your portfolio of web dev skills. Who knows – web dev could become a side hustle for extra income?
Book your spot HERE
Indentation – In the written form of many languages, an indentation or indent is an empty space at the beginning of a line to signal the start of a new paragraph.
Text editor – is the part of the IDE where you write the code. Most text editors highlight words with different properties like functions to help you distinguish them from one another.
Homogeneous – of the same kind; alike throughout.
Heterogeneous – diverse in character or content; containing different things
Prompt – to cause or bring about; to make something happen. For example making someone to say or write something.
Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again.
There are a lot of strings functions/methods in Python. Find full list in course manual. Here’s are some that you find useful in this course:
Functions
Methods
There a number of special string characters that have different functions when used inside ” “. Here’re some useful and common ones:
In programming Concatenation is a process of appending one string to another.
\ – escape character is a string character that tell Python that the next character after it should be taken as a string and not as an instruction.
str ( ) is a built-in function that converts and sequence of characters (numbers especially) in to text.
Mad Libs is a phrasal template word game created by Leonard Stern and Roger Price. It consists of one player prompting others for a list of words to substitute for blanks in a story before reading aloud.
type ( ) is a built-in function (still to cover what built-in functions are later) that determines the Data Type of any data presented.
input ( ) is a built-in function (still to cover what built-in functions are later) allows a user to insert info into a program/the code.
print ( ) is a built-in function (still to cover what built-in functions are later) that executes data inside the brackets. The results get printed out on the console/results section.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE) – A digital environment used to develop games, software, hardware, that offers integration from debugging to compiling. Essentially where you write, edit, and run to test your code.
More about variables
Info about variables
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#WOW – What Outstanding Work – Awards: join us to learn from our students.
Our top 20 learners are from St Andrews for Girls, Reddam Umhlanga, Evolve Online, Nova Pioneer and Sutherland High.
Learners will be presenting their final projects. Come celebrate their successes and lessons learnt with us at our TechWays #WOW Awards.
This event is suitable for learners, parents and their teachers. Book your spot HERE
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Calling on all high schoolers interested in tech as a career. Join us on Thursday 22 September at 5:30pm.
We will be sharing:
There are only 100 spaces – so book your spot now – please RSVP here Book
To access the recording – click here
Calling on all high schoolers interested in tech as a career to join us on 16 September at 5:30pm. If you missed it, we’ll host another one on 18 November.
We covered the following:
To access the recording – click here
To book your spot – click here
We will be talking to Noelene Kinsley from GC Network. Noelene has been specialised in the exciting career of Genetic Counseling and wants to share her passion for making the world a healthier place using genetics….and data science technology.
Let’s hear more about the trends in the health/genetics industries, where jobs are moving to and what kind of skills you’ll need in this exciting world of opportunities out there.
This event is suitable for learners, parents and their teachers. Book your spot HERE
To book your spot – click here
We will be talking to Jason Suttie from Devson. Jason has been in the tech world since he was six years old. He headed IT innovation unit at RMB and has since left to start up his own software consulting company – solving problems and building solutions for clients around the world.
Let’s hear more about the trends in the software and programming industries, where jobs are moving to and what kind of skills you’ll need in this exciting world of opportunities out there.
Book your spot HERE
Introduces Linux as an operating system, the basic open source concepts and an understanding of the Linux commands. Linux is crucial for cybersecurity.
Gives you the baseline skills you need to secure a company’s systems, software and hardware. This certificate gives practical hands-on skills to pursue a career in cyber security
Will give you skills in Information Security Threats and Attack Vectors, Attack Detection, Attack Prevention, Procedures, Methodologies and more.
