It is easier to teach C than C++ and we are trying to avoid adding more confusion to these young students in imparting OO concepts using Java and then interfacing with C using JNI.
Pointers are important in implementing the various structures discussed in CS32 (Data structures). We are not keen on shielding the students away from experiencing how to implement lists, stacks, heaps, etc., by using Java Collections. Besides, C used to be the first language of a UPD CS student. The students are continuously learning (just like everyone else) and there is no concept of teaching old dog new tricks here. They are FORCED to learn Linux and other open source alternatives - otherwise, they will not graduate. It is a disgrace to have UPD CS graduates who were not exposed to Linux - just like the previous two/three batches!!!! Even if students prefer using Windows - they will not be implementing projects using Windows SDKs or using Visual Studio. AS I have said, Python will be quite difficult to teach to students primarily because of the demands of the other courses. I am not that familiar with Python but can you use it to create a GUI application? Tinker with hardware registers? Connect to the network and send raw packets? Stuff like those can be achieved using Java and C/C++. Python, btw, is being taught in the Math department. ;-) Once you know the basics of SQL, it will not be that difficult to use MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc. However, the Database Design class should not be specific to the applications. Aside: I've heard that MySQL is not a "real" DBMS compared with PostgreSQL. Answer: MySQL lacks certain SQL-standard compliance. I am concerned about these software applications reinventing the wheel. As an exercise in Computer Science, yes but its useability should also be checked. This is like the Library Information System -- too many students implemented this for UP Diliman but none so far have been used. Fortunately, we have a team working on it now and shall be the basis for the new UP Diliman computerization project. I am forcing students to learn Linux and Java for their projects in BSCS and MSCS. Some projects being implemented by senior year students now are: 1. jPACS - a Picture Archiving and Communication Systems in Medicine implemented in Java with a Linux backend 2. jDICOM - a Java based DICOM viewer, client and server 3. Digital Signature Verification, Authentication and Certification - a Java based system with Linux as the backend 4. UP Computerized Library System - again Java with Linux as backend Some MSCS projects: 1. Online Pharmacopeia - uses Linux as the backend 2. Mobile Scheduler - uses Linux as the backend and JSP/Servlets 3. jPGP - Java based PGP implementation 4. Property Management System - a Java-based application with Linux as backend As for Python against Java - again, there is an issue here of the language's robustness and "commercialbility". I have not seen a single commercial site that uses Python to generate their webpages. Please point me to one so that I can evaluate it. Remember, it should be commercial and should be database-driven as well. A little bad news, though. UPD CS is an MSDN Academic Alliance member - we have licenses for all MS Operating Systems (including updates) and development tools (SQLServer, Exchange Server, Visual Studio, .Net, etc.). Our students are using these tools to learn the "trade" so to speak. However, their projects are mostly in Linux anyway. hehehe Cheers! --o000o-- Prof. Rommel Palma Feria, MSc, SCJP2 Health Informatics and Mobile & Wireless Computing Group Dept. of Computer Science College of Engineering University of the Philippines - Diliman Quezon City 1101 Philippines TeleFax: +63-2-4343639 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] --o000o-- Lead, follow or get out of the way! _ Philippine Linux Users Group. Web site and archives at http://plug.linux.org.ph To leave: send "unsubscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the Linux Newbies' List: send "subscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
