MSTU5031/FAQ

From Studyplace

• Which languages should I expect to program in?
  The primariy language for this course is Java. However you should be open to looking at other programming languages as well.
  
  
• Is Javascript Java?
  No, they are different languages!
  
  
• Why Java?
  Once you learn one language you can program very simply in other languages.
  
  Example 1: A for loop written in the Java programming language that increments the value of x by 1 on each ot the 10 iterations would look as such:
  
     for (i=0; i<10; i++)
     {
         x++;
     }
  
  Example 2: A for loop in Adobe ActionScript 3.0 (Flash) scripting language that increments the value of x by 1 on each of the 10 iterations would look as such:
  
     for (i=0; i<10; i++)
     {
         x++;
     }
    
  Example 3: A for loop in the C programming language that increments the value of x by 1 on each of the 10 iterations would look as such:
  
     for (i=0; i<10; i++)
     {
         x++;
     }
  
  Example 4: A for loop in the Perl scripting language that incrememnts that vlaue of x by 1 on each of the 10 iterations would look as such:
  
     for ($i=0; $i<10; $i++)
     {
         $x++;
     }
  
  Notice the similarity!
  
  

• What are the basic skills that I should know/refresh during the summer in preparation for OOT/P 2?
  Good Question! You should know how:
  • Declare Primitives and be able to assign values to them.
  • Write for, while, and do-while loops.
    
  • Write an if else statement
  • Import a library
  • Write a try catch finally
  • Write a method, and be able to pass in variables to that method
  • Create and populate an Array
  • Write and Compile a Class.
    
• I don't remember how to code the aforementioned material, is that a problem?
  That is understandable.... While it is not possible to stop the class and resolve each problem the Wednesday lab is the perfect opportunity for you to come and get help to fill these gaps in your knowledge. We will NOT be covering this material in class since you should have already mastered it....  
  
• I like to code in my own way, will that be a problems?
  Yes and no! While creativity is encouraged you must also be aware of the mainstream approach to programming as well. Often when working in teams you will be required to work with other programmers, managers and so on that will most likely have been taught to work in the same style we are discussing now. This is also the same style that will appear in the texts that we will read. Thus, it is paramount that you also be able to communicate with our peers and not have to learn the standard conventions on the spot. 
  
• I found a cool chunk of code on the web can I copy and paste it directly into my code, I'm not really sure what it does but it looks cool, is that acceptable?
  You may NOT copy code from the web and use it as your own, that is considered plagerism! You may access other peoples code by finding the appropriate libraries and packages by using include and import statements as we will see in class. (This does not mean you should not use the internet to see how others are doing things, and how to troubleshoot your work!)