Programming Assignment Checklist: Hello World

Goals

Regardless of the operating system that you choose, the goal of Assignment 0 is to make sure that you can:

• Surf the Web.
• Edit, compile, and execute a Java program.
• Submit your assignment electronically via the course web page.
  Note: you won't be able to submit an assignment until you are registered in our system for a precept.
• Fill out the following brief questionnaire. If you don't, the rest of your assignments will not get graded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a checklist? The programming assignment specifies the general programming assignment. The checklist contains supplemental information, and you are expected to read it prior to submitting your work. Some examples include: links to any preliminary code, reference solutions, a readme.txt template, hints, and frequently asked questions.

What preparation do I need to complete this assignment? Read Section 2.1 and Section 2.2.

I don't understand all of the jargon in HelloWorld.java. Should I drop the course? Absolutely not! We'll explain this in the first or second precept. Do the readings and and bring any lingering questions to the first precept.

It's the first week of class. Do I really need to start reading the text? Yes. Getting off to a good start will save you alot of energy in the long run. We recommend that you skim the first few sections of the text. If you don't understand something, email or visit your preceptor for assistance. Don't be bashful about asking for help.

Is Java case-sensitive? Yes, uppercase and lowercase letters are different. class HelloWorld is not the same as clASS helloWorld. Furthermore, you must specify the file names with the proper case.

How should I read in user input for Order.java? Use command line input as in Section 2.2. Do not use the input routines from the King book.

How do I get Java to print true or false without an if-else statement? If b is a boolean variable, then System.out.println(b) will print true or false according to its value.

The template readme.txt file doesn't view properly in Notepad? Use JEdit instead.

When I submit my files, the submission system describes them as "ASCII C++ program textfile." Is that normal? Yes, apparently our submission system cannot distinguish between some C++ and Java files. Don't worry about it. Just be sure to hit the "Run Script" button to make sure it compiles.

How do I use the "Run Script" button? Click it. Note that it activates only after all of the required files have been submitted.

When I submit HelloWorld.java, the system does not seem to check off that I have submitted it. Why not? Be sure the file is named HelloWorld.java. The capatilization and .java extension are important. Also, be aware that JEdit creates backup files with a .java~ extension, so be sure that you don't submit these.

When I go to submit my files, my browser asks me whether I should accept a "security certificate." How should I proceed? Accept it permanently. We need to establish a secure connection so that you can submit assignments and check grades with reasonable privacy.

IE annoys me about the security certificate each time I login, even though I told it to accept it permanently? Load the root certificate by clicking the appropriate option at the bottom of the Whiteboard menubar.

Why do you use Whiteboard instead of Blackboard? The main reason is that processing large numbers of electronic submissions in Blackboard is not feasible. Blackboard also tracks and reports course usage on a student-by-student basis, which we find overly invasive. With Whiteboard, you need not login except to submit assignments and check grades. If you have any suggestions on improving Whiteboard (other than the poor menubar organization), please let us know.

Submission

Submission. All assignments submissions are electronic. Here are some guidelines.

• Use the web-based submission system. We do not accept email or hardcopy submissions.

• The assignment (and submission form) specifies exactly which filenames to use. These names are case-sensitive (even if your system is not case-sensitive). Do not deviate from these instructions in any way. We begin grading your submissions by running an automated script. You will lose a substantial number of points if you don't follow these instructions.

• Do not submit .class files. We compile your .java files ourselves.

• After you have submitted all of the required files, be sure to hit the Run Script button. You risk losing a substantial number of points if you do not do so (and correct any compilation errors).

• Be sure that every file you submit includes your name, login, and precept number.

• Do not exceed 80 characters per line. The submission system will give you a warning if you exceed this limit. You can configure your editor to prevent you from exceeding this limit.

readme.txt. The readme.txt file is a narrative description of the work you did on your program. This is the first thing the grader will read. Each week, we'll provide a template readme file. Here are some guidelines:

• Answer any questions that are contained in the readme template.

• The readme.txt file must be a text file - MS Word format is unacceptable. Create it using the same editor that you use to write your Java programs.

• Do not exceed 80 characters per line. Use line breaks if necessary.

Enrichment

Here's the ACM Hello World Page. It contains everyone's first program in over 200 programming languages.