Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this the right Computer Science course for me?
• Where are computer clusters on campus?
• How do I download Eclipse, with Ambient, to my home machine?
• What is the download (snarf) site for this class?
• How do I submit my projects?
• How can I get help from the course staff?
• How do I post a Java applet on my web page?
• How do I print to the printers in the CS department? Use the directions for adding the appropriate printer (pr109 or pr128) for Mac OS or Windows.

Java

• Java API - documentation you should have open any time you are programming
• The Java Tutorial - Sun's standard tutorial
• Common Syntax Error Messages
• Java Coding Conventions - how to capitalize, do line breaks, indentation, etc.
• Horstmann Big Java / Java Concepts booksite
• JavaBat: good online Java practice problems
• Nick Parlante's indispensible advice on coding.
  • Debugging Zen: basic tips and strategies for debugging. A must read!
  • Documentation. How to write good, readable code.
  • Decomposition & Style: breaking down your program into sensible functions is a very good thing. This article tells you how to do it. It's targetted for C and C++, but it's applicable to Java.

Eclipse: An Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

• Eclipse - used in class to edit, compile, and run Java programs
• Instructions for installing Eclipse (and Java) on your own computer
• Instructions for using Eclipse to do classwork

Duke Specific Resources

• Old CompSci 6 from Profs. Rodger and Duvall
• OIT On-Line Help Page
• OIT Computing Survival Guide
• OIT Software Library: software available to Duke Students
• Academic Resource Center