Programming Assignment Checklist: Hello World

Goals

Regardless of the operating system that you choose, the goal of Assignment 0 is to make sure that you can:

• Find relevant material from the course web page and booksite.

• Edit, compile, and execute a Java program.

• Submit your assignment electronically through the course web site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a checklist? The programming assignment specifies the general programming assignment. The checklist contains supplemental information, and you are expected to read it prior to submitting your work. Some examples include: links to any preliminary code, a readme.txt template, hints, and frequently asked questions.

What preparation do I need to complete this assignment? Read Section 1.1 and 1.2 of the textbook. If you don't understand something, email or visit your TA for assistance. Don't be bashful about asking for help.

Can I use the booksite instead of the textbook? No, the booksite is a super-condensed version of the textbook; it is suitable for reference while online (for example, while programming). The textbook is intended for use when initially learning new material and when reinforcing your understanding of that material (for example, when reviewing for an exam).

How can I download a program from the textbook? The corresponding section in the booksite contains links to all of the Java programs in the textbook. The link goes to a .java.html file (such as UseArgument.java.html) that is suitable for display in a browser. You can cut-and-paste the code into DrJava as needed. The .java.html file also contains a link to the .java file (such as UseArgument.java); you can right click this link and save the file to your computer.

I don't understand all of the jargon in HelloWorld.java. Should I drop the course? Don't worry—we'll explain this in the first weeks of the course. Do the readings and bring any lingering questions to section.

Do I have to use DrJava? No, feel free to use any development environment you like.

How should I read in user input? Use command-line arguments as specified in the assignment and described in Section 1.2 of the textbook. You will receive a significant deduction for not following directions. We will learn about more general ways to handle user input in Section 1.5.

What program should I use to edit the readme.txt file? Use DrJava. Be careful to save the file as readme.txt and not as a .java file. The readme.txt file must be a plain text file—Microsoft Word .doc or .docx formats and Mac TextEdit .rtf formats are unacceptable.

Submission

Submission. All assignments submissions are electronic, via the course web site. We do not accept email or hardcopy submissions. Here are some guidelines.

• The assignment (and submission form) specifies exactly which filenames to use. These names are case-sensitive (even if your operating system is not case-sensitive). We begin grading your submissions by running an automated script. You will lose a substantial number of points if you don't follow these instructions.

• Do not submit .class files. Our grading script automatically compiles your .java files.

• You may resubmit a file after making corrections by uploading the file again.

• Be sure that every file you submit includes your name, PennKey (username), and section number.

• The readme.txt file is a narrative description of the work you did on your program. This is the first thing the grader will read. Each week, we'll provide a template readme.txt file. Be sure to answer any questions that it contains.

Formatting.

• Format your code consistently. Use 4 spaces for each indentation level. (If you followed our instructions, DrJava will already be configured to do this.) DrJava can automatically re-indent your code: highlight a block of code and hit the Tab key.

• Do not use hard tabs. (If you are using DrJava, you are all set.) Different systems and tools display and print hard tabs differently. Hard tabs are obsolete: in ancient times, they were used for data compression. Modern text editors support soft tabs, which automatically substitute spaces for tabs.

• Do not exceed 80 characters per line. Long lines are hard to read and will annoy your grader (who may deduct style points). Use line breaks as needed. This rule also applies to the readme.txt file.

Enrichment

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