With project 1 behind us, i thought i would reflect a bit on what i learned from the experience, as well as what I'm picking up from the XP book.
First, python is a blast to program in. I did have a few setbacks due to a lack of enforced type checking, but overall it was a very smooth experience. The project overall was a good introduction to the language without being overly challenging, and also brought me up to speed on git hub.
I know its been said in class several times, but if you aren't doing it now, commit to git hub as often. This saved me on a couple of occasions where i couldn't figure out what change i had made that caused sphere to stop accepting my work.
Finally, if you're looking for more opportunities to increase your python knowlege, here are some easier practice problems you could try. practice
The XP book has also been interesting this week. In past partnered projects I haven't often used the driver/helper situation, so its something to try again this semester.
Until next week
Monday, September 17, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
A step into the world of python
Python.
I've been told many times throughout my undergrad career that this is the language i need to be using. "c++ is too bothersome, and java's formatting is to strict" they'll say "but python.. is freedom"
While I can't say I'm ready to write off other programming languages as a whole yet, I am enjoy my first experience. Getting used to a world without curly brackets has been strange, but quite nice. The biggest difference I've seen is that simple tasks like manipulating lists, printing, and getting keyboard input are very easy to accomplish.
I have certainly had some stumbling blocks to work through however. For others in my shoes, here are a couple pages I have found useful.
basics
lists
As far as extreme programming, well, it sure sounds like a great idea. Weather or not it actually happens and works in a real corporate environment is something I'm a bit skeptical of, but I'm finding it interesting so far. The thoughts on incremental development have already shaped the way I'm thinking about our Collatz project.
Until next week,
Gregory Wadley
I've been told many times throughout my undergrad career that this is the language i need to be using. "c++ is too bothersome, and java's formatting is to strict" they'll say "but python.. is freedom"
While I can't say I'm ready to write off other programming languages as a whole yet, I am enjoy my first experience. Getting used to a world without curly brackets has been strange, but quite nice. The biggest difference I've seen is that simple tasks like manipulating lists, printing, and getting keyboard input are very easy to accomplish.
I have certainly had some stumbling blocks to work through however. For others in my shoes, here are a couple pages I have found useful.
basics
lists
As far as extreme programming, well, it sure sounds like a great idea. Weather or not it actually happens and works in a real corporate environment is something I'm a bit skeptical of, but I'm finding it interesting so far. The thoughts on incremental development have already shaped the way I'm thinking about our Collatz project.
Until next week,
Gregory Wadley
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Hi, My name is Gregory Wadley. If you're here, you've likely found your way from our software engineering page, and into my very first blog post on the subject.
I will do my best to keep this blog interesting, and to provide insight, commentary, and information on my journey through this class.
At this point, the only thing of substance i have done for the class is the reading of two papers. One on college advice, the other on college happiness. I felt both presented some very interesting points, and myself a senior, sat wishing i had read them the fall of my first year.
Meeting and developing relationships with faculty is something I have largely ignored throughout my college career, and only now see how valuable it could have been. Taking a better mixture of classes would have also improved my quality of life here, I believe. My mentality, as described in these papers was to get as many tough courses "out of the way" as I could early on. This ended up brining me quite a bit of stress, and taking its toll on my GPA.
Unfortunately, many other readers I'm sure are in my position. Reading this blog post, thinking of how they could have better spent their 4 years. I would urge those of you to make the effort to make your time here as valuable as possible. Weather thats 2 years or 1 semester, don't let yourself be burdened by things you could have done better, and make the most of the time you have left here. I know I will.
I will do my best to keep this blog interesting, and to provide insight, commentary, and information on my journey through this class.
At this point, the only thing of substance i have done for the class is the reading of two papers. One on college advice, the other on college happiness. I felt both presented some very interesting points, and myself a senior, sat wishing i had read them the fall of my first year.
Meeting and developing relationships with faculty is something I have largely ignored throughout my college career, and only now see how valuable it could have been. Taking a better mixture of classes would have also improved my quality of life here, I believe. My mentality, as described in these papers was to get as many tough courses "out of the way" as I could early on. This ended up brining me quite a bit of stress, and taking its toll on my GPA.
Unfortunately, many other readers I'm sure are in my position. Reading this blog post, thinking of how they could have better spent their 4 years. I would urge those of you to make the effort to make your time here as valuable as possible. Weather thats 2 years or 1 semester, don't let yourself be burdened by things you could have done better, and make the most of the time you have left here. I know I will.
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