Chapter 0

Welcome to CS110: Introduction to Computing. This Laboratory Manual gives you an introduction to the software for programming in Java. Learning Java can be a trying experience and we have provided this manual as an additional resource to make the process fun and exciting. Java, at its core, is a very small programming language. However, it embodies some of the most advanced programming concepts. Due to this, learning to program in Java becomes a challenging task. However, the excitement that Java brings with it more than compensates for complexity of learning advanced concepts. Even though the language is small, it is accompanied by a huge cast of supporting libraries. The libraries are so numerous that even the most seasoned programmers cannot claim supreme mastery of all of the features provided in all the libraries. However, the libraries do make the task of learning the language a lot easier. Our approach in this course will be to start by learning to use the libraries as a way of introduction into the programming process as well as the programming concepts embedded in Java. Gradually, we will learn to put together more and more sophisticated programs that you will be able to use inside your own web pages. This laboratory manual will fill you in on the software specific details of programming in Java.

While we have taken care to provide the most accurate information, we are certain that there are still some glitches in the material included here. As you use this manual, keep an eye out for them and bring them to our attention. We will share them with the rest of the users and incorporate changes in the next edition. You are also encouraged to provide us with additional feedback on items you would like included, as well as suggestions for improvement, in future editions of this manual.

The best way to learn to program is by doing it. And doing more of it. There is no substitute for doing it yourself. We cannot stress this enough. You will hear this repeated over and over again during the semester. Find the time to exercise what you have learned. We can guarantee that it will be a rewarding and fun experience.

• Douglas Blank
• Maria Hristova (BMC '02)
• Deepak Kumar

Bryn Mawr College, Computer Science

  I love coffee
  I love tea
  I love the Java Jive
  And it loves me
                   -: Manhattan Transfer

Over to Chapter 1 | Back to CS110 Course Materials