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Jennifer Campbell and Paul Gries

Not all programs are created equal.  In this course, we'll focus on writing quality code that runs correctly and efficiently.  We'll design, code and validate our programs and learn how to compare programs that are addressing the same task.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners interested in improving code quality and efficiency
Emphasizes design, coding, and validation for program creation and comparison

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Reviews summary

Programming fundamentals with quality focus

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to programming, notably emphasizing crafting quality code from the start. Students particularly praise the challenging yet helpful assignments that reinforce concepts like design and efficiency. However, some reviewers find the pace difficult for absolute beginners, feeling it might suit those with some prior experience better. Criticisms also mention a potentially rigid automated grading system and concerns about outdated examples or tools. While the focus on quality is a key positive for many, its integration with basic concepts receives mixed feedback. Overall, it's seen as setting good programming habits early.
Learn design, validation, efficiency.
"Excellent introduction to programming with a strong emphasis on writing clean, efficient code..."
"Loved the focus on design and validation. It's not just about making code work..."
"the 'quality code' section was a bit dry and academic."
"Covered important concepts like testing and efficiency analysis."
Practical application reinforces learning.
"Assignments were challenging but very helpful."
"Assignments were key to understanding. They force you to apply the concepts..."
"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me"
Issues with tools or rigid assessment.
"the automated grading system for assignments was frustratingly rigid."
"Outdated examples and tools were used."
"Small syntax errors cost major points..."
Pace may be fast for absolute novices.
"As a complete beginner, I struggled significantly. The pace was fast..."
"Felt targeted at people with some prior experience."
"Highly recommend for anyone starting out."
"Found the programming basics well-explained..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code with these activities:
Brush up on basic programming concepts
Ensure a strong foundation by revisiting and practicing fundamental programming principles.
Show steps
  • Review online resources or tutorials on basic programming concepts.
  • Complete practice problems and exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Review program design concepts
Reinforce your understanding of program design principles and concepts to enhance your comprehension of the course material.
Browse courses on Program Design
Show steps
  • Revisit notes and textbooks from previous programming courses.
  • Complete practice problems and exercises related to program design.
Review 'Introduction to Algorithms'
Gain a deeper understanding of fundamental algorithms and data structures, which are essential concepts for efficient programming.
Show steps
  • Read selected chapters relevant to the course topics.
  • Work through the practice exercises and examples provided in the book.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Explore coding best practices
Enhance your programming skills by learning and applying industry-standard best practices.
Browse courses on Coding Best Practices
Show steps
  • Identify online tutorials and resources on coding best practices.
  • Follow the tutorials and practice implementing the techniques in your own code.
Solve coding challenges
Sharpen your problem-solving abilities and strengthen your understanding of programming fundamentals.
Browse courses on Coding Challenges
Show steps
  • Find online coding platforms or challenge websites.
  • Select challenges that align with the topics covered in the course.
  • Attempt to solve the challenges and debug your code.
Participate in peer coding sessions
Enhance your understanding by collaborating with peers, discussing code solutions, and providing feedback.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group with other students enrolled in the course.
  • Regularly meet to discuss course topics, share code snippets, and troubleshoot together.
Attend a programming workshop
Gain exposure to new technologies, tools, and best practices by attending a hands-on programming workshop.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant programming workshops in your area or online.
  • Register and participate in the workshop to enhance your practical skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Desarrollador web
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' de la Universidad de Toronto es un recurso valioso para aquellos interesados en convertirse en Desarrolladores Web. Este curso ofrece formación especializada en la escritura de código de calidad, un aspecto crucial para el éxito en el desarrollo web.
Desarrollador de Juegos
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code', impartido por la Universidad de Toronto, puede ser útil para los aspirantes a Desarrolladores de Juegos. El curso proporciona una base sólida en los principios de programación y diseño de código, esenciales para crear juegos de alta calidad y atractivos.
Arquitecto de software
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' es relevante para los Arquitectos de Software, ya que proporciona una base sólida en el diseño y desarrollo de software de calidad. El curso enfatiza la escritura de código eficiente y la validación de programas, habilidades críticas para diseñar y mantener sistemas de software complejos.
Probador de software
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' puede ser valioso para quienes buscan convertirse en Probadores de Software. El curso proporciona una comprensión profunda de los principios de diseño y desarrollo de software, lo que permite a los probadores comprender mejor la funcionalidad del software y diseñar pruebas efectivas.
Ingeniero de datos
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' de la Universidad de Toronto puede ser beneficioso para los aspirantes a Ingenieros de Datos. El énfasis del curso en la escritura de código de calidad y la eficiencia de ejecución es esencial para manejar y analizar grandes conjuntos de datos.
Diseñador de Interfaz de Usuario (UI)
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' de la Universidad de Toronto puede ser beneficioso para los Diseñadores de Interfaz de Usuario (UI). El curso proporciona una base en los principios de diseño y desarrollo de software, lo que permite a los Diseñadores de UI crear interfaces de usuario eficientes e intuitivas.
Científico de datos
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' puede resultar útil para quienes buscan ingresar o avanzar en su trayectoria como Científicos de Datos. Este curso enseña principios fundamentales de programación, diseño de código y validación, habilidades esenciales para el análisis y la interpretación de datos.
Gerente de Producto
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' de la Universidad de Toronto puede ser beneficioso para los Gerentes de Producto que buscan comprender mejor los aspectos técnicos del desarrollo de software. El curso proporciona una base en los principios de diseño y desarrollo de código, lo que permite a los Gerentes de Producto tomar decisiones informadas sobre las características del producto y priorizar el desarrollo.
Consultor de TI
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' puede ser valioso para los Consultores de TI, ya que proporciona una comprensión integral de los principios de diseño y desarrollo de software. Esta base ayuda a los Consultores de TI a asesorar eficazmente a los clientes sobre soluciones de software y a evaluar la calidad del código.
Analista de Sistemas
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' de la Universidad de Toronto, puede resultar de utilidad para aquellos interesados en iniciarse o progresar dentro del rol de Analista de Sistemas.
Analista de Seguridad de la Información
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' puede ser beneficioso para los Analistas de Seguridad de la Información. El curso proporciona una base en el diseño y desarrollo de software, lo que permite a los analistas comprender mejor las vulnerabilidades del software y desarrollar estrategias de mitigación.
Analista de Negocio
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' puede ser beneficioso para los Analistas de Negocio que buscan comprender mejor los aspectos técnicos del desarrollo de software. El curso proporciona una base sólida en los principios de diseño y desarrollo de código, lo que permite a los Analistas de Negocio colaborar eficazmente con los equipos de desarrollo y comprender los requisitos del sistema.
Gerente de proyecto de TI
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' de la Universidad de Toronto puede ser beneficioso para aquellos que buscan convertirse en Gerentes de Proyecto de TI. El curso enseña principios de diseño y desarrollo de software, lo que proporciona una base sólida para comprender los aspectos técnicos de los proyectos de TI.
Ingeniero de Software
Los Diseñadores de Software diseñan, desarrollan y prueban software para diversas aplicaciones. El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code', que enseña a escribir código de calidad que se ejecuta de manera correcta y eficiente, puede ser útil para aquellos que desean ingresar a este campo.
Software Developer
El curso 'Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code' de la Universidad de Toronto puede ser útil para aquellos que buscan iniciar o avanzar en su carrera como Diseñador de Software.

Reading list

We've selected 38 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code.
This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals. It provides comprehensive coverage of the core Java programming language.
Discusses the principles and practices of writing clean code. It is particularly useful for those who wish to improve their coding skills and write more maintainable and efficient code.
Provides a set of principles and practices for writing clean code. It must-read for anyone who wants to improve the quality of their code.
Classic textbook on algorithms. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, and it valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about algorithms.
Provides a comprehensive guide to software construction, covering topics such as design, coding, testing, and maintenance. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to write high-quality code.
Provides comprehensive coverage of Java concurrency, including topics such as thread safety, synchronization, and performance optimization.
This book comprehensive and authoritative treatment of computer programming, covering a wide range of topics from algorithms to data structures to software engineering. It is considered a seminal work in the field of computer science.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data structures and algorithms in Java. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about these topics.
Provides in-depth information on Java programming best practices and techniques. It valuable reference for experienced Java developers who wish to enhance their coding skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern operating systems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the design and implementation of operating systems.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to algorithms, data structures, and their applications. It valuable resource for both novice and experienced programmers who wish to improve their algorithmic skills.
Discusses the challenges and complexities of software development, providing valuable insights for both novice and experienced developers. It is considered a classic work in the field of software engineering.
Provides a catalog of design patterns that can be used to solve common software design problems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to design and implement reusable software.
Provides a comprehensive overview of operating systems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the design and implementation of operating systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the design and implementation of computer networks.
This book is commonly used as a textbook for introductory object-oriented analysis and design courses, providing comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
This book is commonly used as a textbook for introductory software engineering courses, providing comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
Presents data structures and algorithms in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for beginners to understand these important concepts.
This book is a visual and interactive introduction to Java programming, making it easy for beginners to learn the basics.
This monumental work provides a comprehensive treatment of computer programming fundamentals, algorithms, and data structures.
Provides a comprehensive reference for Java programming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Java.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of discrete mathematics, covering topics such as graph theory, combinatorics, and probability.
Provides a mathematical foundation for computer science, covering topics such as logic, set theory, and number theory.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of computer organization and design, covering topics such as processor design, memory hierarchies, and input/output systems.
Provides a basic introduction to Java programming. It great choice for beginners who want to learn Java quickly and easily.

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