CS 2112 : Object-Oriented Design and Data Structures – Honors
Fall 2016

Course notes

Course notes for individual lectures and recitations can be found on the course schedule. The notes are also available as a single printable document: CS 2112 course notes.

Java language

This course uses Java, for several reasons. Java is the most widely used object-oriented programming language, and Java programming skill is in high demand. Java is also a good vehicle for explaining many of the software engineering ideas that will be covered in the course. Java is occasionally a bit verbose. However, most of the ideas you will be exposed to in this course, and the skills you will develop, will transfer to other programming languages.

• • Prof. Gries has written a summary of Java that may be helpful to those encountering Java for the first (or second) time: Java Summary.

• • The Java API is very useful for learning how to use the many existing Java class libraries.

• • The Java Language Specification is helpful if you want to really understand how Java works.

Brushing Up

• For students with limited Java experience, we recommend the online notes from CS 1130, Transition to Object-oriented Programming as a refresher. This is a self-paced course consisting of several modules that you can go through at your leisure.

• Review the introductory chapters in the textbook and the Java reference books listed on the course info page.

• See Oracle's official Java Tutorial.

• For students with C++ experience, see this comparison of C++ with Java.

Java version

We will the use the Java 8 Standard Edition (Java SE 8) platform, which consists of the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). If you are using Java 7 or earlier, please upgrade.

To find out which version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) you are running, open a command window (in Windows, Start > Run... and type cmd, and in Mac OS X, Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and type java -version at the command prompt:

$ java -version
java version "1.8.0_77"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_77-b03)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.77-b03, mixed mode)

This says I have version 8 installed (8 and 1.8 are synonymous).

If you are on a PC running Windows and have never installed a version of the Java Development Kit (JDK) on your machine, you probably don't have it. If you are on a Mac, you probably do. To find out, type javac -version:

$ javac -version
javac 1.8.0_77

If you get an error message or the version is earlier than 1.8, you must (re)install the JDK.

Installing the JDK

The JDK is already installed in CIT and ACCEL labs. However, installing it own your own machine will greatly facilitate your work. Please note that you should double check your work in a public lab, as privately owned machines occasionally exhibit different behaviors.

To download the JDK, visit Oracle's Java web site and download and install the appropriate version of the JDK 8 for your platform.

Compiling and Running from the Command Line

Compiling

Say your main class is MyProgram and it is contained in the source file MyProgram.java. If it is not in a package, navigate to the folder containing MyProgram.java and type javac MyProgram.java.

If it is in a package (say myPackage), the source should be in a folder called myPackage. Navigate to the folder containing myPackage and type javac myPackage/MyProgram.java.

Running

From the same folder you compiled from, type java MyProgram <program arguments> if it is not in a package, and java myPackage.MyProgram <program arguments> if it is.

Specifying a Classpath

Sometimes you may need to inform Java where to find auxiliary classes. You can do this with the -cp option to the java command. Supply a sequence of folders telling Java where to look for classes, separated by : (Mac) or ; (Windows).

Local Software

There are some basic Java utilities specifically for CS 2110 that you may find useful. These are contained in a package edu.cornell.cs.cs2110 contained in a .jar file which you can download from here. Follow the installation instructions on that page. Javadoc documentation is also available.

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IDEs

IDE stands for integrated development environment. The use of an IDE is the best way to develop Java programs. IDEs provide many valuable aids such as syntax checking, debugging, and refactoring that can save you a lot of effort.

There are many good IDEs. We recommend Eclipse, but you may use any one that you like, or none at all. Eclipse is installed in all the labs, along with some others. Early recitation sections will get you started with Eclipse if you are not familiar with an IDE.

Here are some links:

• Eclipse
• DrJava
• JCreator
• CodeWarrior
• NetBeans
• GNU

For consistency, the course staff use Eclipse with a common Java style. You should follow this style guide. You can download the Eclipse style template here.

Java Libraries

Some Java libraries have been developed for use in CS 2112 assignments. Use of these libraries is generally allowed, but not required.

• EasyIO: Support for easy console input and output, and for scanning input from a file or string (like java.util.Scanner, but more powerful). [ doc | jar | source ]

Programming

There are many valuable resources that can help you take your programming skills to the next level. Here are a few links:

General

• Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures
• Dictionary of Computing
• History of Computers

Software Development Methodologies

• Pair Programming
• Object Oriented Programming
• Extreme Programming

Debugging

• Null pointer exceptions
• List of common syntax errors
• Another list of common errors

Just for Fun

• How not to program
• Teach Yourself Programming in Ten Years
• Quines (Self-Reproducing Programs)
• Powers Of Ten
• Programming Quotes
• How To Become A Hacker
• How To Write Unmaintainable Code
• History of Operator Precedence
• Software Bugs & Glitches
• Doom for System Administration
• The International Obfuscated C Code Contest
• The Easter Egg Archive
• OOP Criticism
• Esoteric Programming Languages

Computer Labs

CIT Labs

Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) runs several computer labs across campus for all members of the Cornell community. The JDK and Eclipse are installed on these machines. Check here for locations and times of operation.

ACCEL Lab

You can also find the course software in the Academic Computing Center (ACCEL), located in the Engineering Library in Carpenter Hall. Any CS student may register for an account.

Support Services

Academic Excellence Workshops

The Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW) offer an opportunity for students to gain additional experience with course concepts in a cooperative learning environment. Research has shown that cooperative and collaborative methods promote higher grades, greater persistence, and deeper comprehension. The material presented in the workshop is at or above the level of the regular course. We do not require joining the AEW program, but do encourage students to join if they are seeking an exciting and fun way to learn. The AEW carries one S/U credit based on participation and attendance. The time commitment is two hours per week in the lab. No homework will be given. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to seek extra help on course topics in a small group setting.

Your fellow undergraduate students, who are familiar with the course material, teach the sessions with material that they prepare. The course staff provide guidance and support but do not actually teach the AEW course content or any session. A representative from the AEW program will be speaking about the program and registration procedures in lecture.

One of your TAs will be designated as the AEW liaison for CS 2112. Watch the announcements to find out who.

See the AEW webpage for further information.

Other Support Services

PROGRAM	DESCRIPTION
Student Resources For Engineering Students	This site has links to a variety of services.
Free Computer Training	CIT offers free computer training throughout the semester. Email tts_consult@cornell.edu for an appointment.
Student Web Services	This website collects services that are more general.
Engineering Advising	Academic advising for engineering students.
Arts College Student Services	A listing of general support services for a variety of concerns students may have.
Tau Beta Pi	Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society Tutoring Program. The members of Tau Beta Pi are selected for their academic aptitude and social commitment. They hold one-on-one tutoring sessions with students in courses that typically have a large enrollment of engineers.
Learning Styles	Not everyone learns the same way. If you are curious about how you learn, check out this collection.
Gannett	The Cornell University Health Service Center. For all health related concerns.
CAPS	If you are experiencing emotional distress, we urge you to contact CAPS, the Counseling and Psychological Services.
Dear Uncle Ezra	When all else fails, ask Uncle Ezra!