The first lecture introduces variables in Scratch. Functions and variables are central to programming: functions give names to computations; variables give names to data.
The second lecture begins the transition to C. Scratch is useful to introduce programming, but no real programs are written in Scratch.
The third lecture introduces the Unix terminal, a command line interface. The Unix terminal lets you write programs that automate programming tasks. Though command line interfaces have been replaced by Graphical User Interfaces in non-professional computer use, they are still widely used in programming.
The tutorial this week covers the introduction to programming in C through a Unix terminal. The material for this lab is presented in the lectures. You will be expected to have mastered it by the tutoral session in Week 3.
Labs are like vivas (which are called "demos" in Agile development); you will present the computer work you have done over the course of the week. Your performance on these vivas will represent the marks you recieve for the Practical element of the course.
Again, this lab is a little different from the rest because we will be helping you get your system set up. There are instructions for installing Scratch and Cygwin below. In addition, your teacher will be around to see the work you have done during the week.
To install Scratch you need to install Adobe AIR, which is a program that Runs Adobe Flash programs outside a Web Browser. Then you install Scratch. If you have relatively fast internet it is easiest to go to MIT web page for Scratch and follow the instructions to download it. There are options to download it to either Mac or Windows. Choose the version for your computer.
We have downloaded the files you will need to install Scratch if you do not have access to fast internet. Get the files from your lab teacher and follow the instructors for your computer.
If relatively fast internet it is easiest to follow the instruction given in Cygwin download instructions
We have downloaded the files you will need to install Scratch if you do not have access to fast internet. Get the files from your teacher and follow the instructions in Cygwin local installation instructions.
Next week you will demo this backlog. You may be able to complete the backlog in the class. If not, you should work on it at home. In general, you will not be able to complete the work to demo during the lab class.
It would be wise to work a little ahead of the class so you can come to lab with questions for your teachers. The concepts will be introduced in the preceeding week, so you should be able to complete the backlog in the course of the week before it is assigned. Working this way will also help you integrate what is being covered in the lectures.