<p>i'm trying to get a head-start on the course since I have never taken a comp sci course in my entire life. can anyone give me the name of textbook used at Cornell or any other books that can give me a broad idea of what this course might be about. thanks</p>
<p>It's an intro course. They're not going to assume you already know programming.</p>
<p>They don't assume you know anything. The thing about that course is that some kids struggle like it's the hardest **** they've every done in their lives, and some kids never go to class, never open the book, and pull the easiest A of their college career.</p>
<p>If you're taking CS 100M I have a book available if you want it.</p>
<p>I wouldn't recommend reading early, because what you cover will depend on the professor, plus the first half of the year is based on readings online.</p>
<p>If you're interested PM me. I think it's like $120 new, so I'd take ~$50. I don't think I'd ship it out, but if you'd like to save some money I can get it to you in the fall. The title of the book is "Absolute Java" I don't remember the author though (it's packed away with my books right now).</p>
<p>walter savitch, that's a good book btw</p>
<p>if I have done visual basic would that be a good starting point</p>
<p>About COM S 100M; I've done BC Calc, so how hard is this class? I looked at the Median Grades, but it doesn't break apart COM S 100M and COM S 100J, instead it just says that the average for COM S 100 is a B+.</p>
<p>Also, is MATLAB and Dr Java like vb, or is there no similarity at all?</p>
<p>Visual Basic experience is better than no experience, and it's more than a lot of people taking that class have done.</p>