Programming Hints

Before you start programming, you should:

Think about which language are you going to use? C, C++, Java?
Consider to install DBMS's in your computer. You can download them from offical Oracle/PostgreSQL web site. Note that I will test and grade your programs in the environment provided by our course.
Design schemas and come up with necessary SQL statements/queries. Test them in sqlplus/psql before adding them to your program.

Comparison between Java and C/C++ in database programming:

	Java	C/C++
Program length:	shorter	longer
Similarity between Oracle and PostgreSQL programs:	similar	quite different
Running time:	slower (not important in homeworks)	faster
Server side support:	limited	can use more functions

In general, I suggest you use the language you DON'T KNOW much. For example, if you have experience in JDBC, then don't use it. You will learn more from the homeworks/projects.

Other hints:

Start earlier. Usually, at the last minute,
- there are bugs in your program,
- there are homeworks due/quizs/exams for the other courses,
- you have some questions but there are no more office hours before the due,
- servers down,
- printers have paper jam,
- the weather is very bad so that you may not be able to come back to campus,
- your computer has virus/hardware failure/been stolen,
- ......
I am not joking. The events above really will happen and often occur together.
Read manual/reference. There are a lot of information in the reference.
Connect and disconnect to the DBMS for every task. If you keep the connection inactive for a long time, DBMS may drop it.
Remember to kill the connections and processes each time you run your program.
Reuse the codes, making function calls instead of copy & paste codes.
SQL statements in PostgreSQL and Oracle may be different for the same problem.
Test your program by the sample input/output. You will get the basic marks (~50%) if you can handle sample input/output correctly.
In case you do not have time to finish all parts of the homework, try to make some parts completely working. So that I can test it and give you marks. For example, suppose there are 10 functions required by a homework. The marks for 3 complete working functions will be higher than 10 half or not working functions.