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Introduction

See also the syllabus which summarizes much of this lecture.

Motivation

• Real Programming is Hard: CS150 does not a programmer make
  • # bugs per KLOC
• What Can Help
  • Fundamental Knowledge
  • Methods
  • Techniques
  • Tools
  • Practice, Practice, Practice

Objectives

• Solidify understanding of fundamental programming principles
• Increase Understanding of Problem Solving Techniques in Software Systems
• Introduce Methods of Software System Design
  (Programming in the Large).
• Apply Scientific Methods and Experimentation in Computer Science
• Introduce Beginning Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
• Learn UNIX computer environment

UNIX Laboratory

You MUST take the structured UNIX lab.
It counts for 1 credit or 25% of your grade.

Why Learn UNIX?

• Many High End Client Server Systems are UNIX based (job skills)
• Most of the really exciting Computer Science stuff was done on UNIX systems (personal growth)
• Much of the software is free (unique culture)
• Computer Science Department is UNIX based (talk our language)
• Real Programmer's use UNIX (well some of them do)

In addition to learning C++, you must develop proficiency in

• MAKE (project management tool)
• e-mail
• Web Browsing
• Shell Script Programming

To receive full credit your programs MUST compile and run in the Department of Computer Science's UNIX environment.
Better a working program with missing features than a non-working one with all the features.

Getting Help (Recitations Periods)

If you are having problems, it is your responsibility to seek out help.

You can meet with me during my office hours or by appointment.

You can send e-mail (wild@cs.odu.edu) at any time. My policy is to acknowledge receipt of e-mail within 24 hours (and maybe to solve your problem too).

The lab instructors are available to help you also.

We have set aside a period of time for recitations which should be used to answer any questions about the laboratory aspect of this course.

Any problems which cannot be resolved in the recitations should be be brought to the attention of Dr. Wild.

Work Load

• Two tests and a final exam will be given (approximately every 4-5 weeks). The final exam will be COMPREHENSIVE
• Semester Project consists of three phases and will demonstrate many of the skills you should master in this course. It will be assigned towards the end of October and due the last day of class.
• Laboratory Component
  • You will be assigned a number of programming assignments in the first part of the course by the lab instructor.
  • You will also be tested on various UNIX skills taught in the lab at mid-term and again at the end of the course

The Schedule

• It's in the Syllabus

Copyright chris wild 1998.
For problems or questions regarding this website contact [Chris Wild (e-mail:wild@cs.odu.edu].
Last updated: August 30, 1998.