CSC104 WEEK#11 PROJECT 2 'MORPH'

So Dr. Racket again...

Project 2 at first seem less daunting a task than project 1... Then I actually took a good look at it and realized it was just as confusing and complex.

I understand the purpose and logic behind all of the definitions and interactions, however, I'm still confused with Dr. Racket code input and syntax as well as defining variables.

I did the best I could on it, but some questions I simply ended up guess. I was also unable to get in contact with any TA's during this time.

In any case it's all a learning experience and I'll just have to make up the loss on the final exam....

CSC104 WEEK#10 RECURRSION

This entry is going to be fairly brief...

The recursion section of the course was quite interesting. It really made me understand how things are built using programming code and Dr. Racket. It is based on the principal of repetition and variations with in repetition.

Once again, as interesting as this was, it quickly became confusing as the definitions became more complex. I often find myself trying to cover gaps in my knowledge of the material we cover.

All in all, I have a strong understanding of its purpose within programming.

CSC104 Week #9

OKAY NETWORK TOPOLOGY AND THE BIRTH OF THE INTERNET.

This class was interesting and enjoyable. It was also review for me since I had taken networking in highschool.

All of this was already familiar to me. Ring topology and the creation of the internet. It was interesting to learn that the internet was design so as if one or more sections went offline, it could still function.

The history of modern technology is important to know. Knowing the past gives us building blocks to create the future.

Palindromes were also interesting, as it took small things we have already learned and applied them to create something more complex.

CSC104 Project #1 Fixing the Clock...

Ok, more Dr. Racket. Let's do this.

Project #1 was a little daunting at first due gaps in my knowledge of computer programming. However, I knew the assignment wasn't as hard as it seemed. This assignment was ESPECIALLY helpful for solidifying my understanding of computer programming and Racket syntax as well as the check-expect function and complex definitions... (Complex to me anyways...)

I began to understand with the way Prof. Heap organized the problems within fixing the clock that the solution is always somewhere in what was given to us or what is required. I'm beginning to understand that theme throughout the course... What is "given" and what is "required"... 

All is all, I'm glad that we did this project. It really helped broaden my understanding. It was also fortunate that we were allowed to work in groups of two. My partner helped me understand what was missing from my knowledge greatly.

CSC104 WEEK #6 TUTORIAL ASSIGNMENT

OK, DR. RACKET LET'S GO!

This week's tutorial assignment is as complex as ever... However, it is also very interesting as well as engaging. I feel myself grasping many elements of Dr. Racket individually, however, when this singular elements are compounded I begin to feel a bit overwhelmed. 

This weeks tutorial focused on all the functions to do with Operations like "strings" as well as conditionals and decision makers. Although, everything is confusing to me with Dr. Racket, the operations part of the tutorial seems somewhat more simple as it is broken down into more basic elements.

The conditionals section was more complex, however the textbook was very helpful. I feel all in all I have a decent understanding of operations and conditionals in Dr. Racket. I will have to review on my own further to enhance my understanding.

CSC104 Week #5 Algorithms

In week five we covered algorithms and how they can be applied within Dr. Racket. The key concepts behind algorithms is for them to be simple, feasible and deterministic. It is important that an algorithm can be followed without outside knowledge.

The PBJ algorithm was a good metaphor for discussing a step by step process to complete a task. We learned that there are key factors to think about:

- which operations are built in?
- what if conditions change.
- repeated operations
- does sequence matter?

We also applied algorithms to Dr. Racket, with list functions as well as manipulating colour. This was very interesting to me as colour values is an element of Photoshop. It was interesting to see the computer programming behind colour manipulation within digital imaging.

This week I feel I related to and was able to comprehend the most.

CSC104 Week #4 Multiplying & Adding Binary Numbers

Week four focused on multiplication and addition of binary numbers. We focused in class on adding non-negative integers. During the class I found it very hard to understand and felt like I was falling behind in the lesson. However, when I refreshed myself once again with binary and used outside resources and tutorial videos I began to fully understand multiplying and adding binary numbers. YouTube video were especially helpful in this regard.

The key here is to understand that there can only be two variables, "1" and "0"... as well as the fact that it is basic mathematics. The specific rules within multiplying and adding, such as carrying 1's and shifting. Also, know how to convert from binary to decimal is an easy way to ensure your answers are correct.