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.

1. 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.

2. Read Sections 1.1 - 1.6 of your textbook
3. Sign up for Moodle and add your photo and a brief description to your profile
4. Complete the assignment “Homework 1” on Moodle
   • It's inside “Quizzes”
5. 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?