Programming Requirements for AP Computer Science a Program

Programming Requirements for AP Computer Science A Program

You are expected to spend approximately 5 hours per week programming in Java as part of the AP Computer Science A Program. Approximately 3 hours per week will be completed on Wednesday and Friday during class hours and the remaining 2 hours per week are expected to be completed outside of class. The computer lab will be available after school on specified days, but it will be very convenient for you to have the necessary software also installed at home. Here are the free programs you may download and use at home (same as our lab):

Installing Java JDKTM 7:

We will use the latest version of Java available, Version 7, of the Java standard Edition Development Kit for the entire year. It can be downloaded at:

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html

Linking to Javadocs (Documentation of Standard Java Libraries and Classes):

Java provides a very large number of standard libraries (packages) and classes developed by the Java programming community. We will use a small portion of these, but you should be aware of their existence and be able to browse them for your future needs. Create a favorite link to:

http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/api/

Installing BlueJ (Development Environment):

We will use the latest version of the BlueJ software development environment to design, code, compile and execute our Java applications. It can be downloaded at:

http://www.bluej.org/download/download.html

BlueJ also provides several tutorial manuals you may find useful to take advantage of advanced features of BlueJ. You are only responsible for the basics in class and will learn those quickly.

http://www.bluej.org/doc/documentation.html

Installing GridWorld (Second Semester, Large Application Analysis & Extension):

In the second semester will analyze and modify a large Java application called “GridWorld” – it’s a lot of fun. You may download the GridWorld code and documentation at:

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/151155.html

Instructor: Bob O’Neill,