Ap computer Science- initial Assignment Packet

fkhan@medford.k12.ma.us

In this course you will learn the fundamentals of computer programming using the Java Programming language, and by doing well on the AP exam you may earn college credit.

This course will prepare you for further study of computer programming and is the first step in preparing for a career in Software Engineering or Information Management. The skills you learn will also be useful in other technical fields such as science and engineering and will help you to think more logically. The course is going to be fast-paced, since it serves as both a continuation of Object Oriented Programming and an attempt to get college credit in the subject. Since timing is critical, please follow the instructions in this packet to prepare for this school year. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to email me at my school email address fkhan@medford.k12.ma.us.
Everyone is coming to this class with different backgrounds in computer science, so we all have something to learn from each other this year. Your assignments:
Part 1:

Learn enough of a programming language – any programming language – that you can write an interesting program with it and share that program with us. There are two key phrases in that assignment that I should define in more detail: “programming language” and “interesting program”.
By “programming language” I mean a system of giving commands to a computer1 (usually via a text file containing those commands, but not necessarily, as some programming languages use pictures and symbols instead of written commands).2
By “interesting program” I mean something that you find cool enough that you want to share it/show it off to your friends and/or family.
The grading of this part will be pretty lenient – it’s only your pride at stake =)

Finally, as a reflection please answer the following questions (typed – at least 100 words each) after you’re done with the programing piece:

1. Why do I like this program?

2. What surprised me in the process of writing it?

3. What was the hardest part of the process? (Be specific!)

4. What else would I like to learn how to do?

- Learn JavaScript with Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/cs

- Learn Python, JavaScript, or Ruby with CodeAcademy: http://codecademy.com

- Learn Alice, a simplified, graphical, 3D version of Java: http://alice.org

- Learn how to program virtual robots with CS2N: http://www.cs2n.org/activities/cs2n-°©‐learn/

(I believe the “Robotics Summer of Learning with Lego” and “Robotics Summer of Learning with Vex” don’t require actual robotics kits to be purchased – they’re both virtual environments)

- Learn Scratch, a Java‐based visual language: http://scratch.mit.edu

- Learn how to program your Android device with AppInventor, another Java‐based visual language: http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/

If you do follow an online tutorial, your "interesting program" can't be identical to one of the

programs in the tutorial. You can use one of their programs as a starting point, but the final program must involve a substantial amount of your own creativity!
Part 2:

In this part, we’ll be focusing on Java. You will install a working Java development environment (we will still be using BlueJ) on your home computer, and create a very simple program. By doing so, you will accomplish the following goals:

• 
  Have a working environment at home to support your class work next year
  
• 
  Become familiar with the process of creating and running a Java program
  
• 
  Become familiar with the program used to develop Java programs
  
• 
  Make sure that your environment works properly
  

URL’s for all materials are given below.

1. J2SE

b. Make sure you download the latest release.

c. Remember to download SE and not EE. Make sure the files you download include the Java

RuntimeEnvironment (JRE).

2. IDE

Please note the minimum requirements needed to run BlueJ. They are modest, but just check to be safe.

b. Download and install the combined BlueJ and java JDK (http://www.bluej.org/) Please note the minimum requirements needed to run BlueJ. They are modest, but just check to be safe.

- Click the BlueJ Combined Installer for Windows users

- Click the BlueJ Installer (includes oracle JDK) for Mac users
This will be the IDE that we will be using in class. You may download other IDE’s if you have a preference, but in class assignments should be created using BlueJ.

Take a screen shot to show me that you have downloaded BlueJ at your home computer.
3. Run BlueJ.

! Create a new Project called ‘HelloWorld’. Also create a new class called ‘HelloWorld’

! Double click on the class. Type the following into your newly created class.

public class HelloWorld

{

public static void main (String args[ ])

{

System.out.println (“Hello, world!”);

}

}

! Compile the class.

! Right click from the BlueJ Project window and choose

void

Good luck!

2. Proof (screen shots) that you have downloaded and installed the Java SDK on

your home computer or accessible computer if there is no home computer.

3. Proof (screen shots) that you have an IDE on your home computer or accessible

computer.

4. Proof that you ran ‘Hello World’ on your computer.