ITM352 Introduction to Applications Programming

1. ITM352Introduction to Applications Programming

2. Welcome to ITM352 • Conceptions about ITM352 • This course is about • Acquiring basic programming skills in an IT context • Understanding why IT people need basic programming skills and knowledge • Gaining hands-on experience in developing software applications • Experiencing IT problems and solutions • Experiencing project management, working in teams, software engineering issues • Gaining confidence in addressing IT problems

3. Misconceptions about ITM352 • Only about programming • You must have a prior programming experience • Doesn't require a serious and sustained time investment • It's hard to get a good grade • The Professor isn't willing to help when you have trouble

4. Your Mission… Your mission (should you decide to accept it) is to analyze, design, and build dynamic web-based applications using PHP…

5. This is Education... • Not training, but "to draw out“ • Confidence is critical, learning the language is the key "Want to play the game, gotta learn the lingo“ • Problem solving is a skill that you get good at only through practice • We will adjust the course as needed • your full participation is essential • the syllabus is just a roadmap…

6. Class Objectives • Become familiar with basic programming and software engineering concepts. • Note: you must demonstrate by the end of the course that you have acquired rudimentary programming skills to be successful in ITM352 • Everyone is capable of doing this no matter what your background is!!! • Learn and utilize a development environment for implementing their assignments and performing lab exercises (e.g. an IDE)

7. Class Objectives (cont.) • Acquire skills and strategies for becoming efficient in all phases of planning, designing, programming, documenting, and testing web-based e-service applications. • Gain hands-on experience with all aspects of introductory level PHP programming. • Provide a basis (skills, knowledge) for ITM 353 and ITM 354

8. Brief Syllabus • Basics of programming and PHP • Acquire, install, test: PHP, Apache, NetBeans, … • Code-Test-Debug Cycle • Conditional execution • Flow-control • Data Types (e.g. Strings, Arrays, etc.) • Design and construction of applications • Project management, software information security • Build an original e-commerce application, • Prepare and deliver technical presentations

9. Not-Brief Syllabus • See the course website : • http://itm-vm.shidler.hawaii.edu/itm352 • In particular, pay attention to the course schedule… • Subject to change!!!!

10. Requirements • Textbooks: none! • But there are tons of online resources • Software: • IDE: NetBeans for PHP • Server-side: XAMPP • Reasonable laptop to use • A tablet will not be adequate • A really old laptop will make you unhappy

11. Assignments • Four programming assignments • See class schedule for dates • Work first individually, and later in the semester in groups • Groups will be randomly assigned • Confidential evaluation of team members (including yourself) required for group assignment • To be submitted electronically unless otherwise stated • Assignments culminate in the development of an original, fully functional web application • Teams will present their applications at the end of the semester • Other students will evaluate teams applications and presentations

12. Exams • None!

13. Extra Credit • There will be several opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester • Contributes directly to your final grade

14. Grades • See the course web-site for the grade breakdown • Approximate scale: • >= 90% A • >= 80% B • >= 70% C • You all have a chance of getting an "A" • Your progress will be continuously posted on the class web site. • If you are not doing as well as you would like, there are the opportunities for extra credit.

15. Class Slides • PowerPoint slides will be available on class web page prior to the lecture. • These will be an important set of reference materials for you! • Most classes will be “follow along”, or class exercises that follow the class slides.

16. How to do Well in ITM352 • Attend class, ask questions • Do all assignments early (especially readings!!!) • Best advice: • Go to class and pay attention • Always ask questions; explore; play • Try to understand what the instructor wants you to know • Find something interesting about the material • Go above and beyond what is asked for (get creative!) • Always take advantage of "extra credit" opportunities • Have (or fake) confidence, ditch "worry" • And (duh) do what is asked of you

17. Course Policies • Lateness • Programming assignments will not normally be accepted late. Bone-fide emergencies only. • You can not “cram” programming. It NEVER works. • Cheating • On programming assignments: zero on first offence, notice sent to deans office • Second offense (of any kind): "F" in course, action by Dean’s office • Bottom line: don't do it, it's never worth the risk (and there really is never any need)

18. How to Fail ITM352 • Some examples of things that will make you sad: • Submitting someone else's work • Copying someone else's program • Collaborating on programming assignments (general discussions on approach not included) • Acquiring sample assignment solutions beforehand • Enabling anyone to do the above • Any form of cheating will not be tolerated • It's simply not worth it. • If you are struggling, I will do my best to help. So will your TA. • I am a "softie" when I see honest effort; I am a "hard head" if I see apathy, irresponsibility, or cheating.

19. How Class Will Work • Pre-class readings • Do these! You will benefit. • Short demos, discussions, and "follow along" interspersed with exercises, lab during class and for homework • We may not complete all material in scheduled class time • Whatever is not completed will be covered in the next class session (we go at the natural pace of the class)

20. How Class Will Work (cont.) • In-class discussions • Review of pre-class exercises and business topics • Your interaction is critical, so I will periodically bug you for an answer. • Your answers do not have to be correct, but you need to give a sincere effort and show that you have done the pre-class work.

21. Keep in Mind • The ITMA club, your TA, and I are here to help you succeed in ITM352 (meeting the class objectives) • Please come see me, the TA, or an ITMA club member right away when you need help. • After class (or by appointment) • Phone/Skype • We will make time to help you!!! • We want to see each and everyone of you succeed in ITM352 and to enjoy the experience

22. Final Words… • Programming is not a memorization subject. • You must immerse yourself in it until you have absorbed in your mind and gut each fundamental concept. • Practice, practice, practice, is what WORKS • Ask questions and practice until you fully comprehend each concept, then you assuredly will do very well.

23. More Final Words… • You do not have to be a stellar programmer to do well in this course, you just need to be proficient in programming. • ITM352 will take up significantly more time than other classes. • You will be well rewarded for the effort, but you must plan for this effort.

24. Class 2 • Bring your laptop to class! • Download the appropriate version of XAMPP and NetBeans (PC, Mac, Linux, etc.) BEFORE class.