Introduction

Cay S. Horstmann
Course Objectives

- Fundamental programming concepts
- Programming skills
- Introduction into software engineering principles
- Foundational course for the BSCS program
- No prior knowledge of programming or computer science is required
Course Challenges

- Prerequisites?
- Junior high school reading, writing, arithmetic
- Aptitude?
- Most people can learn basic programming
- Interest?
- CS is creative and rewarding, but it can also be tedious
- Time?
- You can't expect to learn complex skills by listening to lectures
- Study habits?
- Your brain needs time to learn. Don't try to do all work the night of
the due date
Your Responsibilities

- Come to every class meeting
- That includes the lab on Wednesday
- Do the assigned reading before class.
- I won't lecture on the material that you can read yourself
- Submit two versions of each programming assignment
- I don't want you to start working the day before the due date
- Spend two hours out of class for every scheduled hour in class
- That means 6 1/2 hours per week outside class
- Ask questions right away when you are stuck
- Use the Moodle forum. You'll get a better grade if you ask lots of
questions.
- Answer your peers' questions. You'll get a better grade if you
do.
Homework

Due date: Friday Jan. 29, 11:55 p.m.
- Download and install the following on your laptop:
- Firefox
- Java and BlueJ—see step 1 and 2 in Part A of Lab 1
- Alice and Netbeans—see steps 1 and 2 in Part B of Lab 1
These are long downloads, and you must have this done
before the lab.
- Read Sections 1.1 - 1.6 of your textbook
- Sign up for Moodle
and add your photo and a brief description to your profile
- Complete the assignment “Homework 1” on Moodle
- Make sure you can log into the wireless network
Moodle

- We will use Moodle for assignments and discussions
- http://helsinki.cs.sjsu.edu:8080/moodle
- To enroll, click on login
- Click on Create new account and follow the instruction
- Click on your email activation link
- Go to CS46A
- Click on “Enrol”
- The enrolment password is
swordfish
Lab

- Format of classes: approx. 20 minutes lecture, 45 minutes lab, 10 minute
wrap-up
- Lab only/no lecture on Friday
- No lab today
- Bring your laptop for the next lecture, with software installed
- You will work with a buddy (or a group of 4)
- One of you fusses with the code, the other types up answers
- Switch roles each time
- Submit lab work to Moodle
Budget Crisis

- California Master Plan for Higher Education, 1960
- Three-tier system: UC, CSU, Community Colleges
- Top third of high school graduates entitled to CSU admission
- Tuition-free education with fees for dormitories, recreational
facilities, etc.
- Political changes since 1960
- Much lower tax revenue collected
- Spending priorities shifted from education to imprisonment
- Few budget options due to voter-approved mandates, unwillingness to
raise revenue
- 2009/10 CSU Budget
- $500M budget shortfall
- Student fees up 20%
- Faculty and staff furloughed 10%
Summary and Time For Questions

- Set up your laptop with Java and BlueJ and bring it to the next
lecture
- Do the reading for the next lecture
- Sign up for Moodle
- Check the schedule page before every class
- Submit homework 1 by the due date
- Get your wireless account
- Expect a rougher semester than usual
- Need to add? Send an email with subject line
CS46A Add
Request to Cay.Horstmann@sjsu.edu with your name, ID,
and a screen capture of the screen that you get when launching BlueJ
- Questions?