September 5, 2006Introduction 1 of 6 WELCOME TO CS15!

September 5, 2006Introduction 2 of 6 Welcome to C.V. Starr Auditorium! We use A/V equipment to record and give you web access to lectures (PowerPoint and audio) – review – in case you have to miss a lecture The Lab: 73 new, high-end PCs – AMD Athlon64 Dual Core CPUs, with 2GB RAM File Servers: – Maytag: Main File Server Network Appliance FAS Terabytes Disk Space – Amana: Internet Lab File Server Network Appliance FAS Terabytes Disk Space And you can work from your dorm room on your own computer – we’ll explain how later Our Hardware

September 5, 2006Introduction 3 of 6 CS15 is All That Teaches Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) – latest and most powerful programming methodology – was typically taught after traditional procedural programming in Basic, Pascal, or C, forcing one to unlearn that way of thinking -- we teach it up front – Brown was earliest to switch to it for intro courses – AP courses now teach Java as well Teaches fundamental problem solving skills useful in all disciplines Provides introduction to computer science (CS) concepts Is intense, but fun, especially with interactive graphics Who is it for? – students with varying levels of programming experience -- especially NONE! – prospective CS concentrators – anyone who wants an in-depth introduction to modern programming

September 5, 2006Introduction 4 of 6 Why Java? Java – supports interactive OOP – syntax similar to C++ but simpler, cleaner and more beginner-friendly e.g., no need for memory management – it allows platform-independence: write once, run everywhere (in principle) – it’s cool! It’s the hottest thing on the Web! – Note: it is not related to JavaScript, a simple language used to create content for web pages.

September 5, 2006Introduction 5 of 6 Alternatives to CS15 CS 2 (fall semester) – Don Stanford – introduction to using computers – little emphasis on programming – intended for non-concentrators CS 17 (fall semester) – Phil Klein – alternative approach to teaching computer science learn to program and analyze your programs concurrently uses 2 languages (Scheme, ML) in CS17, Java in CS18 a bit more concerned about understanding the processes of computation no reliance on libraries of code – “no magic” – CS 17/18 and CS 15/16 for CS both count as concentration requirements both tracks prepare you equally well for higher level classes CS15 is Java-centric and does more graphics – higher course number does not mean higher difficulty CS 4 (spring semester) – John (“Spike”) Hughes – Will use MatLab for solving scientific problems – not intended for concentrators

September 5, 2006Introduction 6 of 6 No Exams! Brand new textbook – Based on a decade of teaching CS15 in Java – written by Kate Sanders (RIC) and Andy 10 Assignments – 8 programming assignments, each with written design component, 2 homeworks – from 30-minute homeworks to Tetris and beyond! Early and Late Hand-In Policy – hand programs in 2 days early for extra credit – penalty for programs handed in up to 2 days late Keys to success – start early, work steadily, don’t fall behind – you can’t cram, unlike most other courses – exponential curve in program size Collaboration – Grade completely based on programs and homeworks, all your own work – liberal policy, based on Brown’s Academic Code of Conduct. Read handout before you sign it – rely on experienced, skilled TAs – C an collaborate on designs, will have some group final projects – we check for undue similarity and prosecute violators (directed NC on transcript, parental notification) TA Hours – 15 TAs and 3 Head Tas – ~60 TA hours of personalized help/week!!! more than in any other course! Course Mechanics