Arrays vs ArrayLists

I'm not really sure of the difference or even definitions of arrays or array lists, so this blog post is sure to help me out.

Arrays are systematic arrangement of objects, usually in rows and columns. Specifically in computer science, they are a collection of data items that can be selected by indices computed at run-time.

An arraylist is an implementation of List , backed by an array. All optional operations including adding, removing, and replacing elements are supported.

Now for the differences...

Arrays:
- random-access, linear data structure
- fixed size once created
- can contain objects and primitives
- must declare element type
- safe: run-time bounds checking

Arraylists:
- random-access, linear data structure
- dynamic size; grows automatically
- can only contain objects

- element type is object

- safe: run-time bounds checking

Hope that answers all questions!

Until next time.

xoxo,
Yung Coder

Reflection #2

I am feeling very lost in the world of Computer Science. I don't understand very much and no matter how many times or how many ways people try to explain different concepts to me, I still don't seem to grasp any understanding. I tried reading books, how-to's, online practice, tutorials, and more, but nothing seems to be helping. I'm hoping that there's a day where everything suddenly makes sense, though I think that's wishful thinking.

However, I do understand arrays very well. In Algebra 2 when we learned about matrices, I really understood the concept and arrays remind me of matrices. However, the more complex ones do confuse me still. One thing I really had a very hard time with was loops. For loops and while loops just make no sense to me. I did the labs, the worksheets, but I never did anything with confidence because I never felt that I understood any of it.

I am looking forward to getting a partner because I really do learn best from working with others who know what they're doing. Not that they do all of the work, but watching to see how they figure things out helps me to comprehend how to do it on my own. I'm hoping my partner is knowledgeable in Computer Science, but not to the point where they know so much that they aren't willing to take a step back and explain whatt they are doing.

That's about it for now.

Until next time,
Yung Coder

Reflection #1

So far in AP Computer Science, I have had a lot of problems becoming acclimated to the protocol and using Java. I can sort of see how and why we are supposed to do certain things, but it's quite difficult to wrap my mind around. It's not easy for me to just accept instruction, "because it's just right".  I need to come across the understanding on my own before I'm fully able to own the knowledge. It'll be a slow process at first, but I'm hoping once I get the basics down, I will be good.

I also do not learn well from powerpoints that are no split up and let us explore on our own. If I learn too many things in one sitting, I tend to forget almost everything, even if I take notes. So I would suggest that we take the powerpoints step by step and leave time in between new concepts to explore the programs we are learning about.

I have really enjoyed the help I've gotten from my classmates who are mostly all familiar with programming. They have all been extremely helpful and I am really thankful for that. There's definitely a learning curve and I can tell most kids in the class are fairly bored already while all of the new kids are being brought up to speed.

I'm excited about the challenge that I've taken on and the AP Computer Science journey that I'm about to embark on. 

Stay tuned for more.

Signing off,
Yung Coder

TED Talk Response

In Andrew Blum’s TED talk, he addressed the importance of understanding the physical and abstract forms of the internet. This resonated with me because that is one of the primary reasons why I chose to enroll in AP Computer Science. I felt helpless and too reliant in using the internet on a daily basis and not having an understanding of what I was happening behind the screen.

I began using computers at about the age of 3 and since then, I went along with the idea of simply believing the internet was magical and it was far too complex to even begin to understand. However, I am ready to begin understanding the complexities of the world-wide web.

In Blaise Aguera y Arcas’ TED talk, I learned some practical uses of technology to do some really neat things. In his example of using public photos, available on the internet, to compile to create a detailed photograph of a famous landmark, it really showed me how much the internet serves as a community. It’s not just a small group of nerds controlling the entire internet. It’s everything that has ever been inputted into the system and can be used by some skilled computer users to create other really neat programs for the public’s use.

It proved to me that you don’t need to go out and spend time collecting rare and unique materials in order to create something great. The internet is a great resource for almost anything you could possibly ever need.

Yung Coder OUT.