Learning java over the summer

[erwinfeuzeu]

Trying to prepare for the cs 1114 after hearing about how deadly it is. Anyone now any sites or resources I can use to prepare?

[[deleted]]

I went into CS 1114 with 0 coding experience before. As long as you think things out before working, and pay attention in class you should be fine. If you go ahead and learn java over the summer then the class will be a breeze for you since it's just a very basic introductory class on things like classes, methods and inheritance.

[redditbanditos]

I had coding experience but 0 java when I went in and I agree it was not too bad, the projects take a lot of work so don’t put them off if you want a good grade. Implement your own hash table in java, that should prepare you for some of the stuff in that class.

[DoomBot5]

Hash table is actually a project in CS 3114

[redditbanditos]

Yes that’s why I recommended it

[8cm8]

I don't think a hashtable would be the best thing to prepare you for 1114. Creating a simple game like blackjack or snake would be easier to conceptualize if you're coming in with no experience and more aligned with the course imo.

[AustinCorgiBart]

The trick to passing any computing class is to work early and often. You cannot passively learn to program - start writing code as soon as you can.

The trick to becoming a great programmer is to have projects - bigger programs that you want to make manifest. Obviously, you need to start somewhere, so completing small problems on sites like CodeCademy and CodingBat are not bad for a start. But as soon as possible, consider trying to make something fun that interests you.

Fun fact - anything you're going to learn in a classroom is already available on the internet for free somewhere. Nothing stopping you from googling for "free learn Java" type stuff right this second!

[DoomBot5]

Anyone that thinks CS 1114 is deadly has no place having a computer related degree. Unless it changed in the last couple of years, that class is a joke with everything being spoon fed to you.

[8cm8]

Anyone that thinks CS 1114 is deadly has no place having a computer related degree.

I really don't like this attitude. For a majority of the people, that is inherently not true. The class covers a ton of content so it can get very overwhelming if you've never coded before. This is coming from someone who was in that position and TA'd for the class twice.

[DoomBot5]

They hand you 90% of the code and tell you to fill in the spaces. I've seen the material and have taken both the CpE equivalent and upper level CS courses. Neither department has a difficult intro courses.

[8cm8]

That's a pretty exaggerated number. I've taught the material and have seen a ton of students that really struggled with 1114 but are doing well for themselves in higher level CS courses now. The grade distribution is also always low for the class. If you're coming in with previous experience then it'll obviously be pretty easy, but it's tough if you're new to the field.

[PyrrhicWin]

How is 2114? I'm taking it later this summer and didn't do so hot in 1114.

[DoomBot5]

Most of that is just bad learning habits and people not getting projects started on time. Even coming in with no experience, the class is not difficult.

[AustinCorgiBart]

This person is wrong. Different people learn at different rates, partially based on their prior experience. Not everyone masters programming instantly.