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Introduction to Computer Science

A career as a computer programmer is both challenging and rewarding. Most people don’t realize how much work is involved in creating a computer program. Actually, only a small portion of the work is writing code. Your job, as a programmer, is to translate the needs of the user into instructions that a computer can execute. First, you have to identify the problem the user wants to solve. Next, you have to analyze the problem and determine what is required to solve it. Then you develop a step-by-step procedure for solving the problem. Writing the code and creating an executable program is next. Finally, you must test your program to validate it’s output.

If you are thinking of a career as a Computer Programmer, CS2244 is an excellent place to start. First, you'll get an overview of computer hardware and software development. Next, you’ll learn a systematic approach to problem solving. And then, before you know it, you’ll be learning how to write computer programs in one of the most popular programming languages around, C++. You’ll use C++ to write a variety of small, relatively simple  computer programs that will teach you basic skills of software development. For two semesters, you’ll lay your programming foundation in problem solving and program development.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get the most from these classes:

  1. If you don't have a PC at home, look at the possibility of getting one before taking this course. While it's not a requirement, students that have them typically do better and learn more. If your buying one, I'd suggest a laptop and a carrying case. 
  2. This is NOT a class to teach you to become a computer user. This IS a class to teach you the fundamentals of computer programming. You should already know how to use your PC and how to:
    1. get around in your computer's file system
    2. install new applications software
    3. store and retrieve files using Windows file management
    4. navigate and find information on the Internet.

    If you don't have these skills, consider CS2200 or taking a computer based training course BEFORE enrolling in this class.

  3. If you don't have Internet access at home, consider getting an account. There is much information about Computer Science and programming in C++ on the Internet and you should not be a stranger there.
  4. For CS2244, our text book is Starting Out with C++ from Control Structures through Objects (6th edition), by Tony Gaddis. For CS2260, our text book is Java: How to Program (7th edition), by Deitel and Deitel. These texts are available in the TUMC Bookstore.

                

     

  5. If you've never done any programming, consider getting a "Learning How..." book on C++ programming PRIOR to signing up for the CS2244 course. Create a C++ development environment on your home PC, read the chapters and then  code and execute some of the exercises. Do this BEFORE you start your classes and it should help you be more prepared for the material presented in CS2244.

  6. If you're already familiar with C++ programming or if you have completed the CS2244 and CS2260 classes, consider some advanced material on C++ programming or maybe learn a another object oriented language such as Java.

If your books aren't available in the TUMC Bookstore, ask about ordering or try one of the popular on-line bookstores.

Please keep in mind, these are suggestions to help you get the most out of your Computer Science classes. If you have questions, feel free to email me at any time.

Email me at: jfleming@troy.edu emailed.gif (14893 bytes)

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This page was last updated on January 01, 2009 by Jim Fleming using Created and managed with Microsoft FrontPage