CS371p Blog #11: Kevin Chen

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS PAST WEEK?

I finished a lot of exams for this midterm cycle and started some work on the Darwin project with a partner. Finally, had some free time to spend with friends and playing some games that I did get to.

WHAT’S IN YOUR WAY?

Nothing much, after my exams last week my classes are pretty chill for now. I just need to find more time to work on the Darwin project.

WHAT WILL YOU DO NEXT WEEK?

My partner and I need to do some more work this next week. I started fairly late on this project compared to previous ones, but I think many in this class did so as well. We both think that this project is more about OOP understanding than efficiency. I have a few interviews this week to get through as well.

IF YOU READ IT, WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE PAPER #11: GETTERS AND SETTERS?

When I read the paper in SWE, it did not make as much sense as it does in this class. I think the projects in OOP really hone in on OOP principles better than SWE did. I think the paper made a strong case against Getters and Setters. The biggest takeway is instead of requesting information to do tasks, ask those who have the information to do the tasks instead.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF VECTOR?

After going through arrays and allocators, vectors seem to be very useful objects. I am still a little unclear on the exact benefits of vectors, but I am sure I will see as I use them more.

WHAT MADE YOU HAPPY THIS WEEK?

I watched the new Dune movie with my girlfriend and we both really enjoyed it. I am a big sci-fi nerd, but I always thought that most mainstream Sci-fi movies dumb down the world-building and lore aspects in favor of flashy action scenes. I think Dune did a really good job of setting up the world and I am excited for more.

WHAT’S YOUR PICK-OF-THE-WEEK OR TIP-OF-THE-WEEK?

It seems every week a titan in our tech industry makes the headlines for unethical or bizarre behavior. After reading this recent NYT article (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/04/opinion/elon-musk-capitalism.html), I am concerned that these industry titans do not have society’s best interests at heart and are more focused on making the world their personal playgrounds.