CS 5244 - Internet Software - Professor Oliva

FAQ Subject: Technologies

What software will we need for this class?
(Valid for Spring 2016) Unless you have a very compelling reason otherwise, just use the quick-start instructions below to download and install everything you'll need this semester. The fact that you might simply have used something different for one or two other courses doesn't count as a compelling reason; this is a different course with different needs.

Quick-start instructions (highly recommended for all students!):
Expert instructions (only for professional developers with extensive Java experience):
You will also need at least two major unrelated browsers for testing purposes (so you can help ensure that your web interfaces are not browser-dependent).  The major browsers by approximate global current market share are: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft IE or Edge,  and Mozilla Firefox.  The use of Opera, Konqueror, and any other browsers (including platform-specific mobile browsers) is also highly encouraged. Note that you don't necessarily need to install all (or any) of these browsers on your main development machine; you only need to be able to browse pages served by your development machine.

Can I use my favorite Integrated Development Environment instead of NetBeans?
Yes. While NetBeans is highly recommended, you have complete freedom in choosing your own development environment in place of NetBeans, as long as your IDE at least supports basic debugging features (ideally including debugging of servlets and JSPs) and integration with Tomcat.

Please note that this freedom comes with a bit of a catch. Namely, you're on your own to troubleshoot problems related to your use of any IDE other than NetBeans. You'll need to be essentially an expert in your chosen IDE. All instructions, hints, and advice in this course have been extensively tested, but only using the NetBeans version listed above. For help with alternative IDEs, you may seek assistance your classmates via the discussion boards, subject to the course's overall policy on collaboration. However, since the vast majority of your classmates will probably use NetBeans, you may not find much help.

What topics will we cover (or can we cover ... topic)?
The exact lesson outline/schedule varies somewhat from semester to semester, but the following topics can be considered as "core" topics, which will be covered in significant detail throughout the course, usually in this general sequence:
In addition, there are often one or two additional topics related to important emerging technologies. See the Lesson Outline on the main course website for your particular semester for exact topics and timings.

If there are any specific topics you'd like to cover, or to explore in greater depth than scheduled, please mention your wishes early in the semester. There aren't any promises, but usually there are opportunities to at least briefly discuss such additional content as it relates to the core curriculum. In addition, your feedback and discussion throughout the course is vital, so that the course can be tailored as we go along. This way you can help ensure that we cover content that's most relevant.