04. Programming for Beginners

🤔 What is Decision Making in Programming?

Imagine you're walking outside and it starts raining. You decide to open an umbrella.

This is a decision based on a condition:

• If it rains → Then open umbrella

Robots also need to make decisions! In programming, this is done using if-else statements.

🧠 What is an If-Else Statement?

It tells the robot:

• If something is true, do this.

• Else, do something else.

Example:

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If obstacle in front → Stop Else → Move forward

This helps the robot respond to the world, instead of just following fixed commands blindly.

🚦 Real-Life Robot Example:

🤖 Traffic-Sensing Robot:

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If signal is red → Stop Else → Cross the road

Without this logic, the robot might walk into traffic! 🛑

🛍️ Everyday Analogy: Shopping

• If you have enough money

  → Buy the toy

• Else

  → Walk away

Programming teaches robots this kind of smart thinking.

🌍 Real-Life Robotic Use Cases

• Obstacle Avoidance

  If object detected → Turn away
  Else → Keep moving

• Line Follower Bot

  If black line → Stay on path
  Else → Adjust direction

• Automatic Dispenser

  If hand detected → Release sanitizer
  Else → Do nothing

🔧 Combining with Sensors

Robots use sensors to collect data, and if-else logic to act based on that data.

Example:

• Sensor detects light

• If brightness > 50

  → Close window blinds

• Else

  → Keep blinds open

This creates smart robots that can adapt and react. 🌞🪟

🎯 Quick Activity:

You are programming a robot pet.

Write an if-else decision for this situation: