So much to learn!

First few weeks of the class was surprising for me. All I know about programming, specifically Python, is what I learned from previous course CSC108 and some bits of stuff from Google. Then, in my new class, I realised there are so many things to learn more about Python and what I know now is just a tip of iceberg. I mean, super gigantic enormous great iceberg.

When I was in the class, I noticed that the way professor writes code is more simply and flexible. Also there were so many way to implement something with stuff I know such as if, for, etc. I was surprised, and at the same time, I kinda bummed out because I felt like I really didn't study much about Python. But at the same time, I was glad that I was introduced to new level so I can improve myself to the next step.

The material felt harder than the previous course as well. In this term, it seems that we are focusing on writing my own 'Class', which I'm still having hard time understanding and writing them. Last term, 'Class' was taught at the end of the terms. We had handouts to practice writing it about recording date, event, modifying it, etc. I did solve them, but I didn't really understand fully how this 'Class' thing works and how to implement properly if I encounter other problems. I was struggling to understand purpose of writing 'Class'.

So when I started this class and found out that the course is based on 'Class', I was very worried that I might be able to catch up. But, going into almost week 5, I feel more comfortable with 'Class'. I have reviewed materials from CSC108 and searched about 'Class' more on the Internet. And with labs, I will be even more comfortable writing 'Class' as time goes by, though this is based on the promise that I will work hard, and I will.

My impression so far, the course is challenging but it is full of interesting stuff that I want to dive in.

Writing is communicating.

Writing wasn't a fun task for me when I was young. Whenever the writing tasks were given, I was so stressed out and didn't understand WHY I have to write all these things. Many times, I had a hard time to start writing. At the beginning, I didn't know how to start my writing and how to proceed to what I want to say. Also I didn't really understand why I need to learn how to write if I like math or science subjects better. After I grew up, started reading many articles, posts, books, etc, however, my opinion has been shifted.

Thanks to all writing practices and reading, my writing skills improved, and the improvement gave me a new thought on writing. I guess, it's because that I became able to tell if it is a well written material or not. Then, I started realize how important the writing is. When I read a badly written article or post, I found that either it is hard to understand or it didn't make sense. Reading stuff that is not well written, somehow upsets me.

Why do I feel upsetting when I read bad writings? The answer is in the purpose of writing. We write to inform, record, communicate. In particular, if the reason of writing is communicate with other people, it certainly requires readability. No matter how long I explain something in my writing hard, if it's not organized and written properly, it is no use of reading.

For computer programmers, reading a script of codes is the way they communicate each other. To share and discuss what they have created, they sometimes put comments between the codes to give a simple explanation of codes. Even if that is the greatest codes, if the author made bad comments in it, so no one really understands what is going on, discussion would not go smoothly. Some people might even lose interests in those codes.

Sharing information and knowledge is important these days. In the past, everything was written and published as books, but now we have Internet which makes it so much easier to share something. But if you don't know how to write properly to express your thoughts, what's the purpose of sharing? You will be isolated and there will be no progress eventually, while others vigorously discuss with each other and make improvements. Therefore, it is very important for a computer savvy to know how to write.