I was a taker of the C++ AP in '99, and was TA for the course that took it in 2000, we had a mix of AB and A people taking it.
The AB test back then, even in C++ was mainly made up of order (Big-O) and linked-list / tree questions, something on the order of 60% of the multiple choice. The A test from what I've heard from the students covered most everything else indepthy. Several questions on: what does this mystery function do, as oppossed to only one or so on the AB.
Order of algorithms and the basic data structures (mainly how to use pointers) were big on the AB. As most people say, most of what they should be testing for is language independant. If I remember correctly, the GRE Computer Science subject tests all use Pascal (the traditional language used for describing theory and algorithms).
For those not too familiar with templates (personally I learned all from Stroustrup's book), there are a lot of interesting and sometimes quirky features.
One of the best examples perhaps is the STL vector class, which has three implementations. An implementation for a vector of booleans (made specifically to save space), a vector for any type of pointer, and then the generic vector class that covers anything else. Templates have some powerful features.
Unfortunately, there's still some things that need to be done in the compilers. Certain compilers in the past have had problems with them (hopefully they're fixed now), and errors in templated code are cryptically reported -- which always confused me. If compilers mangle a name to get the templates to compile, why can't they unmangle the name when reporting errors?
Junior had some very interesting plays, and it's a shame the programmers won't share what Junior was thinking. I understand their position, but that doesn't keep me from hoping. Especially during game 5: "Junior was happy with its position." is a bit lackluster considering what went on in that round.
If I had to design a new CPU, I'd think it be of worth to try and work with asynchronous logic. If the technology for asynchronous CPUs developed far enough, we'd be much better for it.
Of course, realistically in their position I'd never want to try. This is not for academia.
(Post script: IANAEE [electrical engineer]).
---Lailyx "I've got an ace up my sleeve...I just have to rememeber which pocket I put it in"
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I was a taker of the C++ AP in '99, and was TA for the course that took it in 2000, we had a mix of AB and A people taking it.
The AB test back then, even in C++ was mainly made up of order (Big-O) and linked-list / tree questions, something on the order of 60% of the multiple choice. The A test from what I've heard from the students covered most everything else indepthy. Several questions on: what does this mystery function do, as oppossed to only one or so on the AB.
Order of algorithms and the basic data structures (mainly how to use pointers) were big on the AB. As most people say, most of what they should be testing for is language independant. If I remember correctly, the GRE Computer Science subject tests all use Pascal (the traditional language used for describing theory and algorithms).
For those not too familiar with templates (personally I learned all from Stroustrup's book), there are a lot of interesting and sometimes quirky features.
One of the best examples perhaps is the STL vector class, which has three implementations. An implementation for a vector of booleans (made specifically to save space), a vector for any type of pointer, and then the generic vector class that covers anything else. Templates have some powerful features.
Unfortunately, there's still some things that need to be done in the compilers. Certain compilers in the past have had problems with them (hopefully they're fixed now), and errors in templated code are cryptically reported -- which always confused me. If compilers mangle a name to get the templates to compile, why can't they unmangle the name when reporting errors?
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Lailyx -- Karma's overrated.
Junior had some very interesting plays, and it's a shame the programmers won't share what Junior was thinking. I understand their position, but that doesn't keep me from hoping. Especially during game 5: "Junior was happy with its position." is a bit lackluster considering what went on in that round.
If you post a list of people and "inappropriate sites visited" for the month, people will take the hint:
John Smith: funwithgoats.com 172 visits
Depending on which department you're in of course. Certain departments may take this the wrong way and use this to find popular links.
If I had to design a new CPU, I'd think it be of worth to try and work with asynchronous logic. If the technology for asynchronous CPUs developed far enough, we'd be much better for it.
Of course, realistically in their position I'd never want to try. This is not for academia.
(Post script: IANAEE [electrical engineer]).
---Lailyx
"I've got an ace up my sleeve...I just have to rememeber which pocket I put it in"