Mr. Swanson’s Computer Science Blog

On Tuesday we will begin our final major unit on database programming. We will be using a free db software “mySQL” in conjuction with our PHP skills to create some amazing dynamic web sites. You will spend the first few days of the unit becoming familiar with mySQL syntax. Below are a few recommended online resources to assist you during the unit.

• Tizag mySQL tutorial (http://www.tizag.com/mysqlTutorial/mysqlsyntax.php)
• PHP MYSQL TUTORIAL (http://www.php-mysql-tutorial.com/wikis/)
• Webmaster Help Tutorial (http://www.freewebmasterhelp.com/tutorials/phpmysql)
• W3Schools (http://www.w3schools.com/PHP/php_mysql_intro.asp)

During Wednesday’s class you will be completing a two part assignment. The first part has you determine (ie. count) the number of times a given code loop will run. In the second part you are to build loops to create number patters using FOR loops and WHILE loops.

For those of you who want a challenge – check the optional assignment which requires you to build a prime number calculator. It is a classic computer science application.

During today’s class you are starting work on your major project for this unit. You have two choices of project: online pizza order system or a VIN decoder. Both are described in detail in the assignment outline found on my web site.

Here is some advice on how to begin each assignment:

• Build a simply pizza order form first – worry about all the fun add-on’s later. Start by building a simple quantity pull down menu, pull down menu for pizza type, and radio buttons for pizza size. Then write code to publish your order content.
• Ask others for assistance! Many of you have done a similar assignment before with an order form. The hard part is getting the money to work accurately. So leave it until last.
• Decoder requires the substr ( ) function in order to complete.
• Decoder project is easier if you learn the “switch” decision making structure
• Here is an example of a VIN decoder and a nice way of formatting the output: http://www.musclecardrive.com/vin-decoders/ford-mustang-vin-decoder.php

We are about to finish the decision making unit and extend your skills into making a small text based game. However, before we can build the game you are to build the following application:

• 4 question multiple quiz application
• press submit checks answers and displays the number of questions (or %) correct as well as the proper answers for the entire quiz
• Include the following as correct responses: 1-a, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c

We are just finalizing our first major unit on PHP sytax, variables, and now working with HTML forms. Being able to use forms with web pages is a super important skill as it is the main way that users interact with PHP build programs. For example, when you update your facebook status you place text in a “textbox” and press the update status button. Behind the scenes of the web page there is some program code that takes the data in the text box, saves it, retrieves it, and displays it on the screen. Understanding exactly how to accomplish such a task is the core of programming. Over the next two days you will build a few simple PHP based programs using forms.

On Friday you will have some exploration time to work with GameMaker (not playing….working!) or with graphic design. In particular, I suggest you complete any three of the Fireworks tutorials found on the Web Design Library site located at http://www.webdesign.org/web/raster-graphics/fireworks/.

In class today you will be working on game design and construction. You’ll notice one of the first main concepts we’ll use is on “variables”. Depending on your comfort level with the GameMaker program you can decide on which tutorial stream to choose from today. They are as follows:

• Beginner Level (click ball -> toy shooter)
• Intermediate Level (Maze Game -> Scoring & Lives)

Computer programming originated in the mid 1950′s with the first language called Fortran. Prior to Wednesday’s class please review this timeline.  Make certain to read the history sections on PHP, BASIC, and Visual BASIC.  I’ll leave you with a few of my favourite programming quotes:

“The function of good software is to make the complex appear to be simple.”
(Grady Booch)

“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home.”
(Ken Olson, President, Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977)

Hi folks,

Today’s class is dedicated towards working on your personal web sites. You will need to use Dreamweaver to build and edit you basic page appearance (2 column style). Feel free to use my class site as a possible basic template. You can view the html source by right clicking and “view source”.  Don’t forget to visit Web Design From Scratch and to ask your peers for help. Many of you have lots of experience with this topic.

Happy coding and see you Monday!

Welcome to computer science 30! Please take a few minutes to browse through some older blog posts and visit the class links on the right side of the screen.

If you feel like the title do you know where to get some help? I have a few recommendations:

Firstly, use the resources in the room. Many of you are having great success. Ask each other for support. Secondly, check out this page phy-mysql-tutorial.com . Thirdly, checkout w3schools.com.

I will back Thursday and we will look at file uploads. If you want a head start re-read the handouts I gave you or check out the links above.