Carter's Castle
Carter's Online Class with PDD Demos and Real Code Demos
Objectives: I will be using this site to help with demonstrations for my programming classes as well as any illustrations I am using for Programmer Tutoring. Since most of what I teach is related to Program Design and Development plus Intro to C++ that is where I will start. Then my plans will be to include demonstrations using JAVA with maybe some Visual Basic after all this is up and running. In the end I would like to include some PHP and maybe SQL. Hope this will help you in your studies of programming and set you on a path to much success.
Video Note: My attempt will be to record supporting videos that get right to the point. Short 5 to 10 minute clips that will cover new items of content along with demonstrations that help explain the approach I might use to solve a computing project exercise. Give it a try and don't hesitate to email me if you see suggested corrections, modifications or if you would just like to say thanks for an example you were able to use. (My email is: "gcarter@gwinnetttech.edu").
Each item has a menu pick across the top as tab navigators. These topics will be covered by hitting highlights I have found important and then covering programming assignment demos that get into the details of that particular coding technique. I truely believe that if you practice and grow with your efforts you can master the programming skill. Some people can tell right off if they like programming. Some people need a little more time using tools and techniques to help work them into a focused coder. If you benefit from this site or see inprovements you could recommend feel free to email me at objectcoach@aol.com. In the beginning there will be areas that have (UNDER CONSTRUCTION / FUTURE CONTENT YET TO COME). One of my goals will be to have this site complete by the end 2020.
If you are just starting to use Carter's Castle Site please go to the site's last page and complete the survey. The intent is to determine where a participant is coming from. Are you a student? Have you programmed? and other such questions. Make sure you click check answers and then do the email score. Notice that the more points you score the greater benefit you might find by using this site.
(click here to take the survey)
Brief Video Intro - a little more.
A Quick Raptor Demo
Five Steps To Design
Writing Modular Programs
If Statements (Decision Structures)
Loops (Repetition Structures)
Files
Arrays
If you can master the above list of programming skills then you should be able to make a living as a programmer. Why don't you give it a try, then email me on how things turned out. My general email account is objectcoach@aol.com.
Where does the Castle come from?
When did I start using a computer?
The textbook you might be using
Preparing for your first computer program
What you can expect from this training site?
Print Chart
IPO Chart
Hierarchy Chart
Pseudo Code
Flowchart
I really appreciate feedback from people who use my site. Each time you complete a subject from the top it would be great if you could go to the last topic across the top called (Survey). Complete the survey quiz and then send the email request. Thank you for your help.
As you advance your training you need to check to make sure you are ready to move on. You just might want to make the next link connection to take a Pre-test and see if you are ready for our subject. If it goes well you might take the Post-test to see if you are advanced. While you are here you could also look for any solution demonstrations.
(click here for Quick Check Link)
Watch this clip to get an idea about which tool you might want to use. Mr. Carter can help once you take a peek.
Setting up Raptor is an easy task.
You might want a little help on your first Raptor project. I will recomend Raptor Training from Robert Bowers as a great place to start. Bowers has a series of videos on YouTube that are short and to the point. They seam to go well with any flowcharting text book. If you have not seen the first one you might want to watch it first. Then try the very easy Sales Tax program which I will guide you through.
Objectives: This is a project I highlight in my C++ class but will work very well here as an intro to Raptor. We will not be entering any C++ code. We will only look at the planning process which involves flowcharting. Start by watching the 2 Videos produced by the YouTube Host Randall Bowers.
Raptor Intro by Randall Bowers
First watch Video #1
Then watch Video #2
Sales Tax Project by: Gary Carter (a quick demonstration)
More Demos for You (click here MOD2 extended)
I really appreciate feedback from people who use my site. Each time you complete a subject from the top it would be great if you could send me feedback. Just email me to say what you like, what you dislike and any corrections you might suggest. You could also let me know if you had your own solution to suggest. My email is (objectcoach@aol.com).
This section is usually from a Chapter 2 textbook content section. Take a look at the study helps and quiz to see if you need to spend some time here. If you are not an experienced programmer you may find some items you should spend extra time studying. Once you feel you have mastered this section you should be ready for our next topic of Modules. Modular programming is one of my favorite topics.
(click here for Quick Check Link)
|
output |
display |
storage |
|
memory |
design |
algorithm |
|
pseudocode |
flowchart |
literal |
|
constant |
IPO chart |
sequence |
|
variable |
input |
terminal symbol |
|
assignment |
math operators |
declaration |
|
type |
initialization |
comments |
In most textbooks the vocabulary you start with in chapters 1 and 2 may be the most important for your programming efforts. Focus on these terms and it will help more than you could imagine. Items that you are unfamiliar with should be researched and placed in your list of things to remember. Some will be highlighted as we continue in our training.
Take a look at some real code. If you wanted to you could put this code into a C++ or JAVA compiler and it should run.
I really appreciate feedback from people who use my site. Each time you complete a subject from the top it would be great if you could send me feedback. Just email me to say what you like, what you dislike and any corrections you might suggest. You could also let me know if you had your own solution to suggest. My email is (objectcoach@aol.com).
As you advance your training you need to check to make sure you are ready to move on. You just might want to make the next link connection to take a Pre-test and see if you are ready for our subject. If it goes well you might take the Post-test to see if you are advanced. While you are here you could also look for any solution demonstrations.
(click here for Quick Check Link)
|
code simplicity |
reuse |
teamwork |
|
call statement |
heirarchy chart |
local variables |
|
global variables |
variable scope |
passing by value |
|
arguments |
passing by reference |
parameter list |
|
global constants |
return value |
function |
|
|
|
Modular Programming might take some getting used to. We will start here and add more as we move into future learning modules.
If you would like to see the next part to my demonstration series involving a simple restaurant example then click on the link below to get started. Make sure you have seen the MOD3 version first.
Link: (click here for Tip, Tax, and Total MOD4)
Passing values is not always easy. Check out this demo from the Gaddis book using module argument passing.
Link: (click here for ChangeUs MOD4)
(after watching the intro video you might want to scroll to the bottom of this page to watch an example of program modules)
A modular program is a program that was developed grouping statements that perform similar (specific) tasks together. Each module in a program can contain a few lines of code or may include several lines of code depending on how broad you define the operation being performed.
1) A simple procedure (might be called a subchart).
2) A formal procedure.
3) A function.
4) A method.
Raptor allows what module types?
1) Demo Raptor using 3 modules to show how modules can operate with a global approach to variables.
2) Demo Raptor using modules that are passed values to accomplish a specific task.
I really appreciate feedback from people who use my site. Each time you complete a subject from the top it would be great if you could send me feedback. Just email me to say what you like, what you dislike and any corrections you might suggest. You could also let me know if you had your own solution to suggest. My email is (objectcoach@aol.com).
As you advance your training you need to check to make sure you are ready to move on. You just might want to make the next link connection to take a Pre-test and see if you are ready for our subject. If it goes well you might take the Post-test to see if you are advanced. While you are here you could also look for any solution demonstrations.
(click here for Quick Check Link)
|
diamond |
Boolean Expressions |
relational operators |
|
if |
then |
else |
|
single alternative |
dual alternative |
else if |
|
nested decisions |
case structure |
logical and |
|
logical or |
logical not |
boolean variable |
The decision chapter could be your most important chapter. Could also be the most difficult. Flowcharting helps so much.
The Decision Structure is going to help you give versatility to your program. You will be able to direct instruction to execute some commands and skip others. It is almost like a program that can think. Let's see what we can build.
We are going to take a look a project from the Gaddis, Program Design & Development book (Chap 4). This project is also in the Gaddis C++ text (Chap 4). Take a look at the project assignment and see what you can do with it. I will review the project requirement first, making some highlights. Then I will look at a very simple Program Analysis Worksheet along with a Hierarch Chart. Finally I will give a 2 part review of an acceptable flowchart. Try your effort first and then watch the videos would be my recommendation.
Analyzing a project is where the wheels start turning. This looks like a very simple project when you first take a look. Then you might consider whether there is a good way and a not so good way to approach the solution. See what you think.
Designing a program may not start out so exciting. Many people want to skip the initial planning. To get this going right you may need to force your effort into the planning stage rather than jump right into trying to build a program.
The first segment covering the flowchart is a partial item where I will get things started (Part 1). If you have not started you might want to watch this piece on Raptor and then give it your best effort. Wait on watching Parts 2 and 3 till you have at least tried Part 1. Then you could determine if clean-up is needed when you move forward.
(for flowchart demo videos you might want to enlarge to full screen)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
I really appreciate feedback from people who use my site. Each time you complete a subject from the top it would be great if you could send me feedback. Just email me to say what you like, what you dislike and any corrections you might suggest. You could also let me know if you had your own solution to suggest. My email is (objectcoach@aol.com).
The Looping Structure is going to help you give repetition to your program. You will be able to repeat areas of code and start the development of complex solutions. Let's see what we can build.
This section is usually around Chapter 5 in popular textbooks. Take a look at the Quick Check Link to see if you need to spend extra time here.
As you advance your training you need to check to make sure you are ready to move on. You just might want to make the next link connection to take a Pre-test and see if you are ready for our subject. If it goes well you might take the Post-test to see if you are advanced. While you are here you could also look for any solution demonstrations.
(click here for Quick Check Link)
|
condition |
while loop |
for loop |
|
do until loop |
pretest |
infinite loop |
|
counter loop |
iterations |
increment |
|
decrement |
accumulator |
sentinel value |
|
variable |
input |
terminal symbol |
|
posttest |
flag |
end while |
|
end for |
++ operator |
-- operator |
One of the most important things you can do with your computer is to repeat an action. We have several ways to describe this process.
Let's talk about a few of the highlights:
Look over your study text and become familiar with the terminology. Then you will be ready to attempt a couple of exercises.
If you are using the text from Tony Gaddis then you can follow along with me (Chapter 5 Programming Exercise #1). You might even want to attempt this exercise before you look at my solution.
Now I'm going to solve the Bug Collector project with the help of our author's video note. Try to watch and see if you can get the same solution I do. I will follow the Gaddis example and use Raptor to give me a runable flowchart.
Carter's Video Solution: Part 1
Carter's Video Solution: Part 2
Carter's Video Solution: Part 3
Now let's complete one from scratch. This one is also from the Tony Gaddis chapter on Repition (Chapter 5 Programming Exercise #4).
1) Look over the project.
2) You may want to stop here and see if you can come up with a solution on your own.
3) Setup your version of a Program Analysis Worksheet
4) Solve the problem using Raptor or you might use Flowgorithm
The solution for this project will be included in the Quick Check Link for MOD6. Scroll to the top of this page for a link.
I really appreciate feedback from people who use my site. Each time you complete a subject from the top it would be great if you could send me feedback. Just email me to say what you like, what you dislike and any corrections you might suggest. You could also let me know if you had your own solution to suggest. My email is (objectcoach@aol.com).
This section is usually from an advanced chapter in your textbook. Take a look at the study helps and quiz to see if you need to spend extra time here. Once you feel you have mastered this section you should have no trouble with our next topic of Arrays. Array programming is one of my favorite topics.
(click here for Quick Check Link)
|
open |
EOF |
field |
|
close |
file declaration |
delete |
|
read |
position |
control break |
|
write |
process |
hold variable |
|
random |
file loop |
break variable |
|
sequential |
file name |
append |
|
delimiter |
record |
buffer |
In most textbooks the vocabulary you use for files would be considered advanded. Our text uses chapter 10 to give demonstrations of file use. Items that you find unfamiliar with should be researched and placed in your list of things to remember. Some will be highlighted as we continue in our training. Some may vary depending on the programming tools you choose. This section would be considered a basic skills intro for files.
Carter's Video Solution: Part 1
Note: Expand the youtube video to full screen for a better view.
Carter's Video Solution: Part 2
Note: Expand the youtube video to full screen for a better view.
I really appreciate feedback from people who use my site. Each time you complete a subject from the top it would be great if you could send me feedback. Just email me to say what you like, what you dislike and any corrections you might suggest. You could also let me know if you had your own solution to suggest. My email is (objectcoach@aol.com).
This section is usually from a later chapter in your textbook called Arrays. Sometimes you may see 2 chapters used to cover this topic. Take a look at the study helps and quiz to see if you need to spend some time here. If you are not an experienced programmer trained in a formal classroom setting you may find some items you should spend extra time studying. Once you feel you have mastered this section you should be ready for our example using Arrays. Raptor can be a very good tool to learn about Arrays. See if you can create a program using the demo below.
Link: Chapter 8 Review
If you are really energetic you might want to try this quiz.
Link: Chapter 8 Quiz
Use this link to demo an Array program (Link: Arrays, click here)
I really appreciate feedback from people who use my site. Each time you complete a subject from the top it would be great if you could send me feedback. Just email me to say what you like, what you dislike and any corrections you might suggest. You could also let me know if you had your own solution to suggest. My email is (objectcoach@aol.com).
Under construction.
Programming Project Tutoring List
Chosen for Demonstrations Purposes
To be Added to Carter's Castle Programming
Started: 04/26/18
MOD1 - Welcome Message (Welcome)
1> ABCX (a flowchart demo)
2> Binary to Base 10 and Base 10 to Binary
MOD2 - A Quick Raptor/Flowgorithm Demo (FlowDemo)
3> Tip, Tax and Total
MOD3 - Designing A Program (Design)
4> Sales Prediction
5> Land Calculation
MOD4 - Writing Modular Programs (Modular)
6> Kilometer Converter
7> Stadium Seating
8> Rectangle Area (Chapter 6)
MOD5 - If Statements/Decision Structures (Decision)
9> Areas of Rectangles
10> Color Mixer
MOD5b - More Decisions (an advanced look)
11> Software Sales
12> Shipping Charges
13> Book Club Points
MOD6 - Repetition Structures (Loops)
14> Bug Collector
15> Sum of Numbers
16> Largest and Smallest
MOD7 - Files (Files)
17> File Display
18> Sales Report
MOD8 - Arrays (Arrays)
19> Total Sales
20> Lottery Number Generator
21> Charge Account Validation
22> Payroll
23> Tic-Tac-Toe
24> Sorted Golf Scores
25> Sorted Names
MOD9 - Other Advanced Programming Topics and Projects (Other)
26> Prime Number List (chapter 6)
27> Rock, Paper, Scissors Game (chapter 6)
28> Slot Machine Simulation (chapter 6)
29> Payroll Program with Input Validation (chapter 7)
30> Rock, Paper, Scissors Modification (chapter 7)
31> Interest Earned (3 step program exercise)
32> Present Value (Converting a math formula to a Programming Statement)
33> Sales Tax (Chapter 2 & 3 easy)
You can take the Site Survey at anytime and as many times as you would like to give an update. This simply gives a status change for your use of Carter's Castle Site.
(click here for the Main Site Survey)