This course focuses on high-level concepts that are mostly oblivious to choices of programming languages and environments. However, in order to provide concrete realizations of these concepts, we will use PostgreSQL as the primary database system, Java as the primary programming language and a POSIX environment as the primary operating system. Submissions will be in the form of packaged, well documented, Java source files. Proper documentation and packaging of source code and other material is a crucial component of assigned work and submissions failing in this regard will receive no credit.
Programming Environment and Tools: You are free to choose details such as operating system, development environment, and editor based on your preferences. However, no matter what you use, the submission should be a source-code package that works on a standard Java SE platform with appropriate database support. In particular, submissions should work on any operating system and hardware supported by Java SE. Further details on the packaging, submission, and testing procedure will be provided in class and on the newsgroup.
Other Languages: If you prefer to use a language other than Java, please contact me. I am quite open to the idea, and encourage interested students to explore it further. However, please check with me very early in the semester so that we can determine the specifics to make sure your submissions can be tested and graded fairly. You should avail of this option only if you are confident enough of your programming skills to not require any programming help, and are prepared to take on additional work. This option is designed for students who are proficient in Java and wish to use this opportunity to master another language, not for students weak in Java who wish to avoid it. Anyone granted this option will still be responsible for all Java-related material in the course.
Literate Programming: All submitted work must use a literate programming style: Your programs must be designed with a human as the intended reader, although they must also compile and run correctly. Programs that do not meet this requirement are likely to receive a zero score with no further consideration. Details will be discussed in class. The use of any specific literate-programming or documentation tool is neither necessary nor sufficient for this requirement.
Class accounts: Class accounts for Unix and PostgreSQL will be generated based on the forms distributed at the first class meeting. These accounts are required for successful completion of homeworks and other assignments. You should be able to access your accounts from anywhere on the Internet, including the labs in Neville Hall and elsewhere on campus, by using ssh to connect to cs.umaine.edu. On most Unix hosts, the command ssh -l username cs.umaine.edu should suffice. For Windows hosts, the freely available Putty program works well: http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/. Do not use unencrypted telnet sessions to connect to your account.