CS371p Week 2

What did you do this past week?

This past week was the first full week of the semester as well as the week most of my classes ramped up to the full course load. This class continues to be interesting so far, but based on the description of the project in class, I am thinking of how long I will spend on the git part and good software development practices, and how long I will spend actually programming. I also reaffirmed my belief that I really don't like proofs based on my second-week experience in Algorithms.

What's in your way?

One thing currently in my way, as mentioned above, is my dislike for, and inability to comprehend, proofs. I struggle a lot with these and feel that I will need to spend a ridiculous amount of time practicing proofs if I want to get anywhere close to a decent grade in Algorithms. I also need to get back into exercising, but it is always easy to rationalize not doing it by saying I don't have time, or that it is too much trouble (which it kind of is, but that is beside the point). I am eating better right now though, to make up for the fact that I am not currently exercising.

What will you do next week?

Next week will be my first test of the semester in my Chinese class and have to seriously prepare for it since I slacked off some during winter vacation. I will also begin to work on the project for this class, which so far seems pretty interesting. Maybe not the simple algorithm, but the optimization and becoming familiar with software development practices parts do seem interesting. Since it is an introductory project, I don't think it will be as difficult or take as long as the OS class projects, which I will definitely be grateful for.

What's your experience of the in-class exercises?

The in-class exercises seem very interesting. They are a neat way of practicing concepts just learned in class, putting them to use, and remembering them better as a result. The only issue I feel is that in a 50-minute class, they take up a lot of time and don't leave much for instruction. Other than that, they are a very fun way to engage the class.

What's your pick-of-the-week or tip-of-the-week?

My tip of the week is to start your Algorithm homework early because you will definitely need help or office hours to complete it unless you are already proficient with algorithms and proofs.