CS113 Introduction To Computer Science I

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CS113 Introduction To Computer Science I

• Bina Ramamurthy

127 Bell Hall, 645-3180, Ext 108 bina_at_cs.buffalo.
edu
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Introduction
BR

• First Course in Computer Science
• Theme Problem Solving Using Computers
• Computer Science Study of processes that
  transform information.

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Topics of Discussion
BR

• The Discipline of Computing
• Terminology
• Major themes and subjects
• Steps in software development
• What is CS1?
• Your responsibilities

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The Discipline of Computing
BR

• Three paradigms or approaches Theory,
  Abstraction and Design
• Solving most problems requires combination all
  three social and ethical issues.
• Theory Mathematical point of view, deals with
  theorems and proofs Ex Turing Machine
• Understanding of Mathematical logic
• fundamental ideas, relation between logic and
  problem solving

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The Discipline of Computing (contd.)
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• Abstraction Scientific point of view modeling,
  experiments, and testing Ex Boolean Algebra,
  rocket velocity formula
• Systematic approach to problem solving
• Development of reliable and effective software
  warrants this approach
• This covers all the application areas
• Design Engineering point of view implementing a
  design, and evaluating Ex Von Neumanns stored
  program computer.
• Design and Operation of a computer system

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Terminology
BR

• Program a set of instructions given to a
  computer to accomplish a certain task.
• Ex automated payroll computation
• Hardware physical (tangible) components that
  make up a computer system.
• Ex keyboard, disk drive
• Software programs that run the computer and
  those that are run by the computer.
• Ex operating system (Unix, Windows-95),
  wordprocessor, Nintendo
• Computer system Hardware and software taken
  together is referred to as a Computer System.

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Ten subject areas
BR
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Steps in Software Development
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• Clear understanding of the problem Problem
  Specification.
• Careful solution design paying attention all the
  constraints Robust Algorithm Design.
• Transform algorithm into a program Abstraction
  and coding.
• Complete debugging Error removal.
• Thorough testing Make sure it works for all
  cases
• Maintenance dictated by the environmental changes
  and time.

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Evolution of CS1 Language
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• Whenever you are developing something new, you
  have tasks. You have to create a new subject
  matter. You have to create a language which is
  appropriate to discuss the subject matter. Many
  people are insufficiently aware of the second
  obligation.
• ---Famous Computer Scientist Dijkstra
• This supports our move from
• Pascal gt Modula-2 gt C gt Java

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What has CS1 to offer?
BR
CS113B
Problem Solving
OO Design
Prog. Lang
Algorithms
-- Class -- Object -- Methods -- Attributes --
Relationships -- Encapsulation -- Inheritance --
Polymorphism
-- Design -- Tools -- Techniques -- Software
Eng. -- Class libraries
-- Elements -- Control Structures -- Data
Structures
-- Sort -- Search
Programming Environment
Special Features
-- Design using GUI
-- OS Solaris 2.5 (unix-based) --
JDK1.1 -- Application, Applets
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Your responsibilities
BR

• Plan your time.
• Attend all the lectures and the recitations.
• Read the text before every lecture.
• Work individually on the projects no group work
  is allowed.
• Note that as the semester progresses, the
  complexity of the problems you will be required
  to solve will increase.

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Before next Lecture...
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• Buy the books.
• Read Ch. 1 of the blue text.
• Get an account on an university computer network
  ubunix For details ask the help desk at 215
  Computing center.
• Enroll yourself in a mini course on (1) unix and
  (2) emacs offered by the CIT. Details at 215
  Computing center.