Thoughts About The First Few Weeks

I cannot believe it has already been 4 weeks into the term and into the world of Object-Oriented Programming(OOP). I have learnt so much about Computer Science in these past weeks, it surprises me. I have had no programming background before CSC108, which is the predecessor to CSC148, and so the concepts of classes and objects were really alien to me. Thus, it has been quite a challenge to adjust to this new paradigm, but it has been a really fulfilling one.

Over the past month, we have been introduced to the concepts of basic OOP and Abstract Data Types(ADT). We learnt about designing and implementing classes, inheritance, objects, the concept of self and recursion. Moreover, we also learnt to design classes to run a two-player, strategy game in assignment 1. That and recursion have been my favourite parts of the course so far. Initially, I did struggle and I still do struggle with the concept of self and I am still a bit unsure about the difference between a function and a method but, I am hoping to get over this hurdle by going to the office hours and getting my doubts cleared. 

What I really appreciate about the course is the immense help and support available to students,whether there are the CSC undergraduate help centre sessions, the patient professors or the lab TAs. In my experience, I have really learnt the most during the lab hours where we get a chance to implement the alien concepts and learn from coding. I cannot appreciate enough the help of the lab TAs in guiding me through the concepts.

To conclude, I believe that the last few weeks have really introduced me to a new way of thinking, that has effects beyond the domain of Computer Science. I have already noticed a change in the way I approach my other day to day problems by learning to break down problems into small components and going step by step. Well, that was all for this week! My apologies for being day late, but the Internet in my dorm has been a bit unpredictable over this weekend! I would love to hear about experiences of learning Python and coding and would greatly appreciate any tips! Feel free to leave a comment! I have also attached links to some other blogs written by my fellow CSC148 students, please check them out! Stay warm and brace yourself for the midterms these upcoming weeks! Eeks!!! Have a great week!http://klaracsc148.blogspot.ca/http://klaracsc148.blogspot.ca/