COMP 14: Introduction to Programming

News and Announcements

Homework 2 Solutions are now posted on Blackboard under Course Documents
Nov 7 - Program 3a due date extended to Nov 9.
Oct 26 - Program 3a is assigned, due Nov 7.

Instructor

Course Objective

This is an introductory course in programming using the Java programming language. It is intended to teach problem solving in a program development environment and fundamental skills in computer programming that are applicable to any programming language. No prior programming experience is required or assumed, except reasonable familiarity with using a computer.

"Is this course right for me?"

There are no official pre-requisites for COMP 14. However, a basic background in math is needed. Basic computer skills (using a web browser, writing email, using word processing applications, downloading and installing software) are assumed for COMP 14. If you are not comfortable using a computer, consider taking COMP 4 ("Power Tools for the Mind") before taking COMP 14. If you have previous programming experience, such as in a high school course, (especially, a Computer Science AP course) consider taking COMP 114 ("Foundation of Programming") instead.

Textbook

Required
Java Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design, 2nd Edition (companion website)
D. Malik, P. Nair
ISBN: 0619216085
Available online and at UNC Student Stores.

Recommended
Java Programming: Lab Manual
Judy Scholl

Tips for success

Be regular on assigned readings; these will help you understand class material better, complete homeworks and assignments more easily, and you will also not need to cram come exam time.

If you do not follow something, ask immediately! Doubts not clarified immediately may affect your understanding of subsequent material in the course.

Start working on homeworks and programming assignments early; do not wait till right before they are due.

Homework and programming assignments are essential to your understanding of the material. If you fall behind in one assignment, it is likely that you will be behind for the rest of the semester. So try to submit homeworks and assignments in a timely manner. (Plus, you will avoid the late penalty on points!)

A large part of class material has been borrowed from Michele Clark Weigle (http://www.cs.unc.edu/~clark), Kelly Ward (http://www.cs.unc.edu/~wardk) and Long Le (http://www.cs.unc.edu/~le), previous instructors of Comp14.