A set of utilities relating to millisecond based Unix time-stamps. A Unix time-stamp or Unix epoch is the number of seconds or number of milliseconds since 1st January 1970.
1.06 Next steps and getting started with coding
Aim: To discuss the next steps in getting started with coding.
Topics covered:
- How should I choose a language?
- What do I need to be able to code?
- Where can I find more resources?
1.05 Code comments
Aim: To learn about comments and how to use them.
Topics covered:
- What are comments?
- Why do we use comments?
- How do we use comments?
1.04 Functions and sub-routines
Aim: To learn the basics of how to use functions and sub-routines to make code more manageable.
Topics covered:
- What is a function?
- What is a sub-routine?
- Why and how should they be used?
1.03 Conditions and loops
Aim: To look at some types of conditions and loops and how they can be used.
Topics covered:
- What is a condition and what is it for?
- What is a loop?
- What kind of loops are there?
- How can they be used?
1.02 Coding basics
Aim: To view some code and discuss a few basic components.
Topics covered:
- What does code look like?
- What is a statement?
- What is an expression?
- What are variables and how can they be used?
Design Patterns : Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software
Design Patterns is a seminal work that has brought about industry-wide improvements to the design of systems and changes to systems. The patterns described have been distilled out of the practices of experts. They allow less experienced designers to benefit from the tried and tested methods used to solve frequently experienced problems. The book also details where the patterns are intended to be used and where their weaknesses lie.
Personally, I found the book quite hard-going and would strongly recommend Head First Design Patterns if you are looking for an easier read. After reading Head First Design Patterns, I found Design Patterns to be an excellent resource for reference. I always keep a copy on my desk.
1.01 Introduction to coding
Aim: To give you an introduction to coding and to introduce some main topics relating to writing code.
Topics Covered:
- What is code, coding, programming and software development?
- Why do we develop code?
- Who can develop code?
Head First Design Patterns
Head First Design Patterns is an outstanding book on a subject that could be very dry. If you can get past (or even enjoy) the quirky style and sense of humour, it teaches a majority of the standard design patterns in a way that can be absorbed and remembered.
The code examples are in Java, but they are readable and explained in detail. I strongly recommend this book, especially to the design pattern novice.