What This Document Is
This is a foundational lab assignment for an introductory Computer Science I course (CSE 131) at Washington University in St. Louis. It serves as a practical starting point for students new to the Java programming language and the core concepts of object-oriented programming. The assignment focuses on dissecting the fundamental building blocks of a Java program and understanding how different components interact. It’s designed to be completed early in the course, establishing a base understanding for more complex topics.
Why This Document Matters
This assignment is crucial for students who are beginning their journey in computer science. Successfully completing this lab will solidify your understanding of essential Java terminology and program structure. It’s particularly helpful if you’re unfamiliar with coding concepts like classes, methods, and parameters. Working through this assignment will prepare you for future labs and projects where you’ll be expected to write and interpret Java code independently. It’s best utilized *before* diving into more advanced programming techniques.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This assignment does *not* provide a comprehensive overview of the entire Java language. It focuses specifically on the anatomy of a basic program. It won’t teach you how to write complex algorithms or build full-fledged applications. Furthermore, it doesn’t cover debugging techniques or advanced coding practices. The intention is to build a foundational understanding, not to make you an expert programmer immediately. Access to additional course materials and lectures will be necessary for a complete understanding.
What This Document Provides
* An introduction to the concept of “packages” in Java and their role in organizing code.
* An exploration of “classes” and how they define the characteristics and behaviors of objects.
* A breakdown of “methods” – the actions that objects can perform.
* An explanation of how information is passed into methods using “parameters.”
* Illustrative examples demonstrating how code instructs objects to perform specific actions.
