We start by exploring modern software development languages, frameworks and tools. This will include a rapid review of Java and an exploration of the principle features of successors to Java now emerging.

The term 'Paradigm' is sometimes used to attempt to encapsulate a mind-set associated with different movements in programming. Here we try to characterise what this means, and walk though some of the paradigms, old and new, in the field.

The history of programming languages is a facinating and continually evolving discipline. We briefly review alternative 'forces' shaping this evolution, as well as inspecting the programming 'family tree'. We will also walk through an extended example, exploring alternatives expressions of the same programme. This may yield some insights into current programming notations trends.

The objective of this lab is to install and configure your development workstation and to bring into focus some of the terms and concepts covered in the opening lecture.