What's a Checklist?

The programming assignments in the course packet specify the general programming assignment. The checklists contain supplemental information, and you are expected to read it prior to submitting your work.

  • Links to any preliminary code. That way, you don't have to retype it yourself.

  • References solutions. Use these to check your work.

  • What to include in your readme file.

  • A link to hints. Novice programmers may find these especially valuable to get started on the assignment.


    • Goals

    The goal of Assignment 0 is to make sure that you can:

  • Login to your arizona account.

  • Surf the Web.

  • Write a C program using emacs.

  • Compile a C program using gcc.

  • Submit your assignment electronically.
    • Be sure to submit Assignment 0. If you don't, the rest of your assignments will not get graded. Note that it is not necessary to submit a readme file for this assignment only. Part of this assignment is to fill out the questionnaire on the Announcements page.


    Using Unix

  • Using Unix machines is in many ways similar to using home PCs. However, you should never turn on or off a Unix machine. If your machine hangs, ask a lab assistant for instruction.

  • You will learn more about Unix in Lecture P3. If you'd like to get a head start, read the handout Unix for COS 126.

    • Understanding hello.c

  • Here's a Hello World tutorial that dissects hello.c line-by-line.

  • Bring any remaining "Hello World" questions to the first precept.

  • Some friendly advice from your preceptor: if you're new to C, be sure to read the first few chapters of the King book today. Then read up through Chapter 6 by Monday. If you don't understand something, go to your preceptor for assistance. Don't be bashful or put it off. This is a lot of material to digest, but getting off to a good start in COS 126 will save you lots of energy in the long run.



    • Creating a Home Page

    We describe how to create a Web page.

  • When you ran the setup126-s01, a homepage was automatically created for you. To try it out, direct your browser to the page 
    http://www.princeton.edu/~login
    except replace login with your Unix login name. If it doesn't view properly, ask a lab TA for assistance.

  • Now, you'll probably want to edit the page for content! CIT provides detailed instructions on publishing Web pages at Princeton. From arizona, the easiest way is to use the "File - Edit Page" menu option in Netscape. Alternatively, you can create Web documents on your home PC and transfer them to your Unix account. You don't need to do this now, but you'll probably want to at some point.


    • Enrichment Links

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

    Kevin Wayne