data were encapsulated into software units named objects. An object is a self- contained unit of data and code to manage that data. Using objects helps protect the data for large scale programs written by a large team of different people. Most of today’s programmers work in object-oriented coding environments. Object-oriented coding is writing code in a programming language that encap- sulates code and data into objects. Examples of modern programming languages that support object orientation are Java, C++, C#, and Python. Java is an object-oriented computer programming language with features that minimize confusion and errors and allow programmers to produce code that operates on a wide variety of platforms. It was created in the 1990s under the leadership of James Gosling at Sun Microsystems. The language was named Oak during development, but was renamed Java, which is another name for cof- fee. The logo used with Java appears like a cup of coffee. Java is the computer programming language used in this textbook. Charac teristics of Successful Programmers Many people are drawn to computer programming be- cause of its creative nature. Damien Filiatraut is the CEO of Scalable Path. He conducted a study of more than one thou- sand computer programmers. He noticed seven traits that great programmers have, as shown in Figure 1-9. These are very important traits. Employers are eager to find people with a strong work ethic with traits like Filiatraut lists. In addition, there are three more qualities that should be men- tioned: basic beliefs, computational thinkers, and relentless checkers. Basic Beliefs A notable theory of problem-solving holds that the bulk of a person’s ability to solve a problem rests in two funda- mental beliefs: • the problem has a solution • he or she can find the solution If a problem-solver wavers in either of these two beliefs, he or she gives up way too soon. Successful computer pro- grammers stick to the problem. They try a variety of strate- gies to decompose and develop an algorithm. On a recent tour of a game company, the tour guide mentioned that visitors often walk by cubicles and see programmers sitting perfectly still, staring at the computer display. The guide pointed out that they are quite busy. They are thinking. They are trying to find the solution to a problem. Computational Thinkers Good programmers understand that computers “think” differently from hu- mans. They are good computational thinkers. Programmers spend time looking FYI In the 1990s, interactive television was a promising new technology. Java was invented for use in the digital cable industry. However, the industry was not up to the challenge, and Java found many other homes. nd3000/Shutterstock.com Figure 1-9. A survey of programmers found great programmers have these seven characteristics. • Positive attitude or “can do” approach to problem-solving • Great communicator who can understand the problem, decompose it, and communicate solutions to the development team • Great time- and task-manager gets work accomplished on time • Quick learner and adapts to new technologies with ease • Broad and rich technical experiences • Works well with a team • Puts importance on the end user, and incorporates a superior user experience in all code Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 18 Introduction to Computer Science: Java Programming