Programming Assignment Checklist: Hello World

Questionnaire

Did you remember to fill out the brief questionnaire?

Goals

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

• Find relevant material from the course web page and booksite.

• 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 SCORE for a precept.

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 1.1 and Section 1.2 up through page 22.

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. If you don't understand something, email or visit your preceptor for assistance. Don't be bashful about asking for help.

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 bring any lingering questions to the first precept.

What's the difference between the textbook and the booksite? Reading a book and surfing the web are two different activities: This booksite is intended for your use while online (for example, while programming and while browsing the web); the textbook is for your use when initially learning new material and when reinforcing your understanding of that material (for example, when reviewing to prepare for an exam). Also, some of the booksite is still under construction, so there are gaps.

Do I have to use DrJava? No, feel free to use any development environment you like.

How should I read in user input? Use command-line arguments as specified in the assignment and described in Section 1.2. You will receive a significant deduction for not following directions. We will learn about other ways to handle input in Section 1.5.

The template readme.txt file doesn't view properly in Notepad? Use DrJava instead. Be careful to save the file as readme.txt and not as a Java file. Do not use a word document editor such as Microsoft Word which will save the file in a different format.

What's Dropbox? Dropbox is the system you will use to submit assignments. Every assignment has a link to its own dropbox. Look on the Assignments page, in the submit column. You can also go to the general dropbox page via https://dropbox.cs.princeton.edu. Either way, you will need to login.

When I login, 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.

When I submit HelloWorld.java, the system does not seem to accept it. Why not? Be sure the file is named HelloWorld.java. The capitalization and .java extension are important. Also, be aware that DrJava creates backup files with a .java~ extension, so be sure that you don't submit these. If you use Windows, we recommend configuring your system to unhide the filetype extensions.

How do I use the "Check All Submitted Files" button? After submitting your files, click it. It will compile all your submitted files and give you feedback.

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 operating 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. Our grading script automatically compiles your .java files.

• When you submit, be sure to hit the "Check All Submitted Files" button. Make sure that you submitted the right files and that they compile cleanly. You risk losing a substantial number of points if you submit a file that does not compile correctly.

• You may resubmit a file after making corrections, but first you will need to hit the red X for that file's dropbox window to unsubmit the old file. Then you can submit the corrected version.

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

• 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.txt file. Be sure to answer any questions that are contained in the template readme.txt file. The readme.txt file must be a plain text file—Microsoft Word .doc or .docx formats are unacceptable. Mac TextEdit .rtf files are also unacceptable. Don't just change the extension to .txt. The file must be in a plain text format.

Formatting.

• Format your code consistently. Use 4 spaces for each indentation level. (If you followed our instructions, DrJava will already be configured to do this.) DrJava can automatically re-indent your code: highlight a block of code and hit the Tab key.

• Do not use hard tabs. (If you are using DrJava, you are all set.) Different systems and tools display and print hard tabs differently. Hard tabs are obsolete: in ancient times, they were used for data compression. Modern text editors support soft tabs, which automatically substitute spaces for tabs.

• Do not exceed 80 characters per line. Long lines are hard to read and will annoy your grader (who may deduct style points). Use line breaks as needed. This rule also applies to the readme.txt file.

Enrichment

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