Welcome to the CS 61A repository! This course, offered by the University of California, Berkeley, is designed to provide a deep dive into the fundamentals of computer science and programming. Prepare yourself for a challenging but rewarding journey through the core concepts that form the backbone of software development.
CS 61A is an introductory yet rigorous course focused on the principles of computer science, using the Python programming language as a tool to illustrate and implement these concepts. The course emphasizes the importance of abstraction in programming and introduces several powerful programming paradigms.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Gain proficiency in Python, understanding its syntax and core libraries.
- Master essential computer science concepts including data abstraction, recursion, and algorithm design.
- Explore various programming paradigms such as functional programming and object-oriented programming.
- Develop strong problem-solving skills through extensive hands-on coding exercises and projects.
- Understand the internal workings of a computer and how it influences software performance.
The course is structured around weekly lectures, labs, discussions, and assignments. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Introduction to CS and Python Basics: Variables, conditionals, loops, and functions.
- Higher-Order Functions and Environment Diagrams: Understanding function scope and closures.
- Recursion and Tree Recursion: Techniques for solving problems recursively.
- Data Abstraction and Sequences: Abstract data types, lists, trees, and their manipulations.
- Object-Oriented Programming: Classes, inheritance, and polymorphism.
- Scheme and Functional Programming: Introduction to Scheme, a dialect of Lisp.
- SQL and Data Management: Basics of SQL and data handling.
- Special Topics and Advanced Concepts: Exploring cutting-edge topics and review sessions.
- Textbook: Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs by Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman, and Julie Sussman.
- Course Website: CS 61A Course Page – Access to lecture materials, assignments, projects, and additional resources.
- Reddit Guide: A Super Harsh Guide to Learning Computer Science Basics – A helpful post that outlines a structured approach to mastering computer science basics.
The course includes several hands-on projects designed to reinforce the concepts learned in lectures. Here are the major projects going to be tackle:
- Hog: A dice game simulation focusing on control structures and functions. This project helps in understanding basic programming constructs and debugging techniques.
- Maps: A project involving geographical data to understand data abstraction and manipulation.
- Ants: A tower defense game that emphasizes object-oriented programming and strategic thinking.
- Scheme: Building an interpreter for the Scheme language, highlighting the principles of functional programming and language design.
- Cats: A typing game that emphasizes string manipulation, data abstraction, and user interaction.
- Final Project: A capstone project where you apply everything you've learned to create a comprehensive software application.
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Hog:
- Objective: Simulate the dice game Hog.
- Skills: Control structures, functions, loops, and debugging.
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Maps:
- Objective: Create interactive maps with geographical data.
- Skills: Data abstraction, manipulation, and visualization.
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Ants:
- Objective: Implement a tower defense game.
- Skills: Object-oriented programming, inheritance, and game strategy.
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Scheme:
- Objective: Develop a Scheme interpreter.
- Skills: Functional programming, language design, and recursion.
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Cats:
- Objective: Build a typing game for speed and accuracy.
- Skills: String manipulation, user interaction, and data abstraction.
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Final Project:
- Objective: Create a comprehensive software application.
- Skills: Integrative problem solving, project management, and advanced programming techniques.
This repository and its contents are based on the curriculum developed by the Computer Science Division at UC Berkeley. Special thanks to the instructors, TAs, and fellow students who make this course an enriching experience.
Throughout the course, my friend and I will be taking detailed notes and compiling resources to aid in understanding and applying the concepts covered. You can access our notes on Notion using the following links:
Feel free to explore and use these notes as supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.
Contributions are welcome! Whether it's improving documentation, fixing bugs, or adding new features, feel free to open a pull request. Please ensure your contributions adhere to the project's coding standards and include appropriate tests.