Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT …
What if I have an exam conflict or special requirement?
See the exams page for the make-up petition process.
What’s this CS 1133/CS 1132 stuff?
These are shorter 2-credit courses for students who want to learn a programming language, but do not need the computer science theory to continue on to CS 2110. These are the courses that we recommend for graduate students.
What if I have a missing lab grade?
Contact your section instructor to fix the problem for you.
WHO …
Who is my section instructor?
See the listing on the sections page. For more information about your instructor, go the the staff page.
WHY …
Why do we use Python?
We talk about this on the first day of class. Python is a modern, object oriented language that is much more accessible to beginners than traditional object-oriented languages. It is also popular for scientific computation, making it relevant to engineers who do not want to continue on with computer science.
Why is CS 2110 in a different language?
Computer science is not about learning specific languages. It is about learning principles of software development and design. Some languages are better at teaching different principles. The object-oriented concepts of 2110 are much better taught in Java. The language change is not a serious problem as the first month of 2110 is designed to help with this transition.
Why do we use Anaconda Python?
While your computer may already have Python installed, it is important that
everyone use the same version of Python for this class whenever possible.
We have found Anaconda to be a stable version of Python that includes almost
all of the packages we want. There are a bunch of versions of Python out there,
and not all of them are compatible. Exceptions are on a case-by-case basis.
Why do we use the command shell?
As a scripting language, Python is designed with a command shell in mind. There are Integrated Development Environments (IDE) for Python that allow you to work without the command shell. Most Python IDEs are designed for data science, not software development. Those that are designed for software development are too complicated for this course. Therefore, we elected to go with the command shell.
WHERE …
Where are the computer labs?
The computer labs are located in Carpenter Hall, across the road from Hoy Plaza. To learn more, look at information instructional labs.
Where are the sections?
All sections are held in either the ACCEL Lab or Phillips 318. The ACCEL lab is located in Carpenter Hall.
Where is your office?
For information about the offices of the instructor or the course administrator, see the staff page.
Where are the solutions?
When we post solutions, they will be posted in CMS, attached to the relevant assignment.
Where are the handouts?
Most lecture handouts can be obtained from the lecture summary page. In addition, labs, assignments, and exams each have their own dedicated page.
Where is my graded homework/prelim?
For assignments submitted online (on the course CMS), you will receive feedback within CMS itself. In addition, we use GradeScope to return hard-copy assignments.
Where do I request a regrade?
This is covered in the regrade policy. Hard copy assignments are handled through GradeScope, while all other regrades are addressed in CMS. You have one week after a grade is posted to request a regrade.
Where can I find more practice problems?
We try to provide you with plenty of optional problems in the labs. You can find more activities in the exercises for the optional textbook. You are also welcome to look for other Python Challenges online.
MAY I …
May I change my partner?
You may have different partners for different projects, but you may not have more than one partner for any assignment. Please review the policies on the assignments page.
May I program in a different language?
No.
May I use PyDef or an actual Python IDE?
If you want, you may use an actual Python IDE such as PyDef or even a professional-level tool like PyCharm. However, if you do this, you are completely on your own. We only provide support for using a command shell. See our Python page for more information.
HOW …
How should I submit my homework?
You should follow the submission guidelines in the instructions for each assignments.
How do I use Python?
You should see our Python page for how to install and get started with Python.
How do I print in a public lab?
Printing services for students at Cornell are provided by the Net-Print system. See the Net-Print overview provided by CIT.
How do I start an assignment?
Assignments can get involved, and you should read an assignment in full before you start on it. Don’t expect to absorb it all at once. While reading the assignment, look for clues on what you need to do. When you’ve figured out the larger tasks, break those large problems into smaller and smaller tasks. Eventually, you can program those smaller tasks.
How do I catch up? I’m lost.
In addition to a large number of office hours, there are Cornell resources to help you in CS 1110, should you need them.
How do I become a consultant?
To become a consultant for a CS course, you must apply online. We typically hire by invitation-only for the Spring semester, since the Spring semester has lower enrollment and most consultants work for 1110 all year. However, we hire a considerable number of new consultants each year for the Fall semester. We will have more information about this later in the semester.