Lab 15: Python 1

[lmock]

Please comment below to leave us your lab reviews! Remember, please follow this format:

Your Name:

Overview of Lab Comments: i.e. Was this lab good or bad? Too fast? Too Slow? Does it need something new?

For specific issues: (you should copy this section as many times as necessary)
Page Link:
Type of Issue: i.e. (code) bug, grammar, typo, lack of clarity, etc
Severity: i.e. "prevents students from continuing", "minor inconvenience", etc
Comments: Description of the problem, what can be done to fix it, etc.

[chrisk867]

Name : Chris Kilian

Overview of Lab: I absolutely love this lab. This lab was not a part of the course when I took it but I wish it was. The Python lab is one of the most useful labs to people who plan on taking CS61a because it really helps make the connection between the two classes. When I made the jump from CS10 to CS61a I was intimidated at first by having to write out my code. I think this is a fantastic lab that will help students who want to continue in programming bridge the gap. Its also a great lab even for students who won't go down the CS path. In the real world, people aren't going to use Snap!. However, Python is an incredibly popular language and giving the students exposure to Python will do nothing but help them. Also, this lab is pretty fun. I remember when I was an LA for this class last semester that many people liked this lab a lot.

Page link: http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/loops.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&noassignment=true&noreading=true&novideo=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=4 Type of Issue: clarification Severity: minor Comments: I think we should emphasize more that the while loop is the opposite of a repeat until loop. A student quickly going through the lab might only see the "repeat until" block next to the while loop and think they do the same thing. However, there is the key difference that ones repeats until true, the other repeats until false. We don't want the students to get an endless loop.

[thorsoch]

Name: Charles Thorson

Overview: Quick lab. I felt that it was a bit shallow and too easy, but I suppose the fact that they have to get accustomed to using a new language should account for that. Unless I somehow missed it, I think this lab doesn’t talk about typing the code into a text editor to prevent having to retype everything and how to run that in a python interpreter. That is probably a necessary addition to this lab.

http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: typo? Severity: minor Comments: glitched font on “print”

http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/string/string-mani.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=7 Type of Issue: misleading Severity: minor Comments: For word in hello should probably be "for letter in hello" since it iterates over the letters.

[tinatu]

Your Name: Tina Tu

Overview of Lab Comments: I felt this lab was overall very detailed and gave a good introduction to the basic concepts of Python, while using the knowledge students have gained from Snap! I like how the majority of the examples had a like block of Snap! so that students are able to compare what they know, and more easily learn basic structure and syntax of Python.

For specific issues: Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc/python/besides-blocks-intro.topic&step=1&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html Type of Issue: typo Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: I noticed there were strange symbols surrounding "print" and "saying." Not sure if those are supposed to be there to indicate functions, but it makes the "print" and "saying" harder to read.

For specific issues: Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/loops.html?topic=berkeley_bjc/python/besides-blocks-intro.topic&step=4&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html Type of Issue: code bug/ typo Severity: medium, prevents students from understanding the correct iteration Comments: The for loop at the top of this page should be iterating y-x times, not y times, because the range is not inclusive in Python.

For specific issues: Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/string/string-mani.html?topic=berkeley_bjc/python/besides-blocks-intro.topic&step=7&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html Type of Issue: lack of clarity Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: Rather than using "" and '' for indication of strings, it might be easier to introduce this syntax with "string" or 'string' and proceed to say "" or '' represent an empty string in python, else it's a bit difficult to read.

[nish2020]

Your Name: Nishchala Singhal

Overview of Lab Comments: Overall, I really like this lab. It's a comprehensive yet understandable introduction to Python, and I think students can really benefit from it, especially if they are taking CS61A after CS10. I like how the Snap! and Python code are displayed next to each other, so that learning the basics of a new language is a lot less intimidating. Also, students can really see how much they have learned! However, it would be beneficial for students if there were some more practice problems for each topic, like in the 'Strings' page- those were good problems that aided in understanding.

For specific issues: Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: Typo Severity: Very minor Comments: 'This' is repeated twice in the second paragraph (We will be covering loop syntax later, so do not worry if this this code does not make sense)

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: Typo Severity: Minor Comments: The 'say' and 'print' have strange symbols around it, and it makes it a little difficult to read.

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/def-functions-recursion/recursion.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=6 Type of Issue: Lack of clarity Severity: Moderate Comments: Under the recursion page, I think that there should be a bit more of an explanation. I know that it says there is no difference in syntax between Python and Snap! for recursion; however, maybe some examples/ brief explanation would be helpful.

[msilva926]

Your Name: Melanie Silva

Overview of Lab Comments: Overall, the lab is easy to follow and has clear examples for each concept. Yay Python!

For specific issues: Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: typo Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: In the first paragraph there is a word spelled like "“printâ€"

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/string/string-mani.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=7 Type of Issue: lack of clarity Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: In the first practice problem, I suggest that chars should be spelled out as characters.

[gingerengel]

Ginger Engel

Overview of Lab Comments: This lab was a good introduction to Python. I like that in addition to showing similarities of Snap! and Python the lab pointed out some blocks that would be misleading in trying to convert them to Python. It might be beneficial to have students interact more with Python instead of just looking at the structure. Other than that, this lab was well done.

[ghost]

Your Name: Anjli Shah

Overview of Lab Comments: This is easily my favorite lab! I love that it shows how closely Snap! follows Python, which is a complaint I have heard from students in semesters before mine. While it could have more interaction with the interpreter or discuss the use of text editors a bit, it did a fine job of introducing Pythons. I think it's also think that it was helpful to point out differences in each to prevent misuse, but it also might be good to have a disclaimer of sorts to not try to use Snap! code to write Python code, but to think about the similarities and use that.

For specific issues: Page Link: http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: Lack of clarity Severity: Minor Inconvenience Comments: Discusses how printing is a side effect in Python but what a side effect is, is not clear.

[jeeves833]

Your Name: Lucas Karahadian

Overview of Lab Comments: It is so awesome that this was made into a lab. When I took CS10, python was not taught in the class, and students interested in learning it had to go to a supplementary info session. This lab handles the differences and similarities between Snap and python very well, and I see it being incredibly useful to student who will go on in CS.

For specific issues: (you should copy this section as many times as necessary)

Page Link: http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html Type of Issue: Typo Severity: Minimal Comments: “which is simply the an interface”

Page Link: http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html Type of Issue: Typos Severity: Minimal Comments: “you can “print” something to the console” ““saying” is represented as a cartoony speech bubble”

Page Link: http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html Type of Issue: Missing Instructions Severity: Problematic Comments: Students are told to test out code in the python interpreter without having been told how to access the python interpreter in the first place.

[mfujimoto]

Your Name: Mason Fujimoto

Overview of Lab Comments: This was a good lab that works to introduce the student to python and is very relevant for going into 61A should they choose that path. I found the problems at the last page to be very good at teaching the syntax of python. One way to improve the lab would be to make it more interactive in the first sections which introduce syntax; I don't believe that presenting all the information at once in a list leads to much learning (though it is a useful reference).

For specific issues: Page Link: http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html Type of Issue: typo Severity: minor Comments: Currently says "...which is simply the an interface where you type instructions for the computer to execute." Should say "...which is simply an interface..."

For specific issues: Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=0 Type of Issue: compatibility Severity: major Comments: For students using their own laptops or working from home, there are no instructions for how to install and use python on different systems. I think it would be beneficial for links on how to use python and what version we use to be included on this page.

[judyworkman]

Judy Workman Lab #15 Review-Python Overview of Lab Comments: This lab really helps students have a strong foundation for continuing their education in Computer Science, specifically in CS61a. However, if students are not interested in pursuing CS61a, this lab does not connect with them, although it could serve as an encouraging tool for them to take CS61a, depending on the student. The lab includes very clear comparisons between implementation in Snap and Python. The lab consists of a lot of reading, and not as much practice problems as it should. I believe that students grasp the information more easily when they have hands on experience with the concepts as opposed to dense reading about it. For specific issues: Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=0 Type of Issue: lack of clarity Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: perhaps include something about the importance of spacing in Python Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: typo Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: weird symbols are displayed (“print” and €œsayingâ€)

[carynbear]

Caryn Tran

Overview of Lab Comments: I like the show answer add on. It's awesome! This lab is a good connect between SNAP and Python. I enjoyed it, but we could do with some paragraph reformatting overall for more clarity.

For specific issues: (you should copy this section as many times as necessary) Page Link: http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/loops.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&noassignment=true&noreading=true&novideo=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=4 Type of Issue: Reminder Severity: Minor Comments: Remind that the upper range of the loop in python is NOT INCLUSIVE. This is mentioned previously, but it's a good idea to say it again. In the first SNAP to PYTHON example, student might confuse a SNAP for-loop from (1 to 10) being the same as a Python for-loop from (x=1 to y=10) which is not true!!! The Python loop only runs to 9.

Page Link: same as above Type of Issue: formatting Severity: minor Comments: It might just be on my laptop, but the first python example has the last letter of "do something" in a new line.

Page Link: http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/string/string-mani.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&noassignment=true&noreading=true&novideo=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=7 Type of Issue: More information, consistency Severity: VERY minor Comments: Change "declare a string" to "make a global variable assignment" or "assign a variable to equal a string" for consistency and accuracy. Previously in the lab it was said that: In Python, we don't explicitly declare a variable in code. Rather, variables are created when they are assigned to a certain value.

[melvinhernandez]

Melvin Hernandez Lab 15 – Python

Overview: I thought the python lab is great. It was not part of lab when I took the class so that's a plus! I just feel that even though a lot was covered, and you expect the students to figure out a lot on their own, the fact that they have to type all of their code into the interpreter may cause frustration. Hopefully you might be able to introduce them to writing their code in a text editor and then running the file in the interpreter in later semesters; the experience will be a lot more user-friendly. Other than that, I thought the lab did a pretty good introduction to python. I would advise for the lab to have a conclusion page in which you can direct the students to some cool python features and the docs they could check out in the future (like Classes). I first learned about OOP in 61A, and I would have loved to learn more about it in CS10!

Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=4 Type of issue: Wrong code Severity: Medium Comments: The definition for “check_zero_or_odd” would actually report True for zero and even values. The mistake is in the if statement of the definition, there should be a “!=” instead of an “==”.

[erikdahlquist]

Erik Dahlquist

Overview: This lab is a nice little introduction to Python, and does a good job showing how similar Python and Snap really are. I think it should have more practice problems peppered throughout so that students can get used to the syntax. Python is a scary thing initially, and syntax will be their biggest struggle. It's also plagued by an impressive assortment of grammar, prompt, and style issues. But I think this lab is doing a good thing. It seems a bit short, and could use some more practice problems, but it's a solid gentle introduction.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/topic/topic.html?topic=berkeley_bjc/python/besides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html Type of Issue: Typo Severity: Minor Comments: The end of Big Ideas says "Text based languages are just as power as visual languages." That should probably say powerful.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html?topic=berkeley_bjc/python/besides-blocks-welcome.topic&step=0&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html Type of Issue: Awkward sentence structure Severity: Minor Comments: "In Snap, this is determined by things like the shapes of blocks (and the colors help format code consistently)" is an awkwardly worded sentence.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html?topic=berkeley_bjc/python/besides-blocks-welcome.topic&step=0&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html Type of Issue: Semicolon use Severity: Minimal Comments: "Snap has a friendly interface which does not let us make many syntax errors, like putting a round reporter block inside of a hexagonal predicate parameter space; Why?" The semicolon isn't really needed here. If you're set on using it, I believe "why" should be lowercase.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=0 Type of Issue: Lack of clarity Severity: Major Comments: ...did I miss it, or did we not tell them how to open their terminal and get it up and running Python? Is it all pre-set up in the Sutardja Dai Lab or something?

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: Repeated word Severity: Minor Comments: "(We will be covering loop syntax later, so do not worry if this this code does not make sense)" has a repeated "this".

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: Typo Severity: Minor Comments: "Now, trying printing your name, or print anything you'd like" should have "try," not "trying."

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/intro/saying-vs-printing.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: No sentence transition Severity: Moderate Comments: "To print in Python, all you need to do is type: print( * ) * is a placeholder for whatever you wish to print. " There should probably be a ", where" or a period or a semicolon after "print(*)".

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=4 Type of Issue: Bad formatting Severity: Minor Comments: The first For and While example boxes are too small, so the "do something" runs into a new line.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=4 Type of Issue: Strange Python style Severity: Moderate Comments: Why does the sample code in this lab have such extreme Python indenting? That's generally not how you Python...

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=4 Type of Issue: Bad example code Severity: Major Comments: The "check_zero_or_odd" does not work as described. This can be fixed by having "if (x % 2 != 0):" instead of "if (x % 2 == 0):"

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/loops.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=5 Type of Issue: Awkward sentence structure Severity: Minor Comments: "There are two essential kinds of loop in (also in most of other text programming languages as well) Python, they are For-Loop and While-Loop" could be rephrased. Perhaps "Python (and most other text-based programming languages as well,) has two essential loops: the For-Loop, and the While-Loop.

Page Link:https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/loops.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=5 Type of Issue: Bad formatting Severity: Minor Comments: Halfway down the page, ">>> add_one_n_times(-5)" should be moved to the next line to make this easier to read.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/loops.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=5 Type of Issue: Run-on sentence Severity: Minimal Comments: "This just means that you're not explicitly telling it to start from a specific number but rather from 0 to y - 1" should have a comma before "but".

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/def-functions-recursion/function.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=6 Type of Issue: Extra space Severity: Minimal Comments: While this wouldn't actually affect Python, the second "def function_name():" appears to have an extra space between the def and fuction_name, likely because def is underlined. Unsure how to fix this.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/def-functions-recursion/function.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=6 Type of Issue: Bad sentence structure Severity: Minor Comments: 'Start with a "def statement" (underlined). def function_name(): "def" is the first thing we write when defining a function' could use some re-wording. It's a bit of a jumble

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/string/string-mani.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=8 Type of Issue: Difficulty Spike Severity: Major Comments: Am I crazy, or is count_code WAAAYYYYY harder than the other functions they're defining? I had to look at solutions online to make sure I wasn't overcomplicating it, as I was able to easily one-line the previous prompts. Not sure about this difficulty spike, especially since they're not using a text editor

[jeffz6]

Your Name: Jeffrey Zhang

Overview of Lab Comments: This is a great lab that really shows the parallels between Python and Snap. There are an absurd number of typos, though. Get somebody to look through virus.py and the lab, because it just looks silly.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/introduction_to_besides_blocks.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: typo Severity: minor Comments: "You will see Python code side by side wit," should be "You will see Python code side by side with"

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/python_syntax_and_operators.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=3 Type of Issue: clarity Severity: minor Comments: A note that the python equivalent of = is == would be helpful. The difference between what the symbol = means in math and in CS is often confusing for new programmers.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/printing_while_loops.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=8 Type of Issue: clarity Severity: moderate Comments: It doesn't give any information as to why our code passed or failed, only the test case. It would be nice to have it show the number you should have gotten as well as the incorrect answer given.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/python_basic_string.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=9 Type of Issue: typo Severity: minor Comments: when you pass all of the tests, it says "Your reverse_string function passed all of our test!!!" and it should say "Your reverse_string function passed all of our tests!!!"

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/python_conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=10 Type of Issue: typo Severity: minor Comments: when you pass all of the tests, it says "Your palindrome function passed all of our test!!!" and it should say "Your palindrome function passed all of our tests!!!"

[aaaschmitt]

FOR ANY FURTHER COMMENTS PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE ACCESSING THE NEW PYTHON LAB ON THE CS10 WEBSITE.

many of the links I've seen above are to the old python lab.

[amrutayel]

Your Name: Amruta Yelamanchili

Overview of Lab Comments: Good lab! It is a nice introduction to python (and was a nice refresher for me). It seemed kind of short to me, maybe some of the problems from the old python lab could be added at the end for experts.

For specific issues: (you should copy this section as many times as necessary) Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/python_syntax_and_operators.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=3 Type of Issue: clarity Severity: minor Comments: The “change _ by 1” should be “change x by 1” to be more consistent with the “set x to x + 1” block.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/running_script_from_command_line.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassingment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=5 Type of Issue: clarity Severity: prevents students from continuing Comments: “ls” doesn’t work on Windows.

[strollinghome]

Carlos Flores

Overview: This lab is very clear and well-written. I liked that we show them python and Snap! side by side for comparison. The thing that I'm guessing students have been and will be struggling with is the set up. There's not much to do about this since students have different operating systems. We could include instructions to do a set up for windows computers. A section that explains text-editors as well as how to use them could be helpful as well. It seems that we jump into python and how to use it too quickly and we end up having to explain how to set up in lab.

All typos have been pointed up already and I don't see any major issues other than stuff we could add to this lab.

[LithiumH]

Your Name: Haojun Li

Overview of Lab Comments: Overall it was pretty fun and fundamental enough. Maybe tell students to distinguish between the python interpreter and the command line and how to get back to the command line clear.

For specific issues: (you should copy this section as many times as necessary)

Page Link: http://beautyjoy.github.io/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/python_syntax_and_operators.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=3 Type of Issue: Typo Severity: Low Comments: The right square bracket is inside the code of x += 8. This might create confusion among students who just started to use python.

Page Link: http://beautyjoy.github.io/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/define_simple_function.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=7 Type of Issue: Too much Severity: Medium Comments: The explanation of range and list and iterable are too much for the students who just started to use python. Maybe either reduce it or simply use a list.

[tcabs17]

Tori Cabot

Overview: I like this lab a lot. I wish this version of the lab was part of the class when I took it. I do think it could be a little more challenging. The concepts are visually laid out very clearly so adding a few more challenging problems (and not giving students the option to just view the answers) would be warranted. Also, is the location of the interpreter in the lab anywhere? Should there be a little blurb about text editors too? I think some of the more practical parts of working in Python should be discussed before immediately jumping into syntax.

Specific Issues:

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/syntax/var-primitive.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=2 Type: typo Severity: moderate Comments: In the "quick tip" discussing different ways to represent "x = x + 8", there is a parentheses that is in red (indicating that it is part of the python statement) that shouldn't be there. Right now, it says that "x += 8)" is the alternate way to write this statement which could be confusing and frustrating for students.

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/string/string-mani.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=7 Type: phrasing Severity: minor Comments: On this page the text says, "To declare a string, you just simply do arr = "Hello World!" ". This could confuse students into thinking that there is a special significance to "arr". I know when I was first learning python, I took all instructions very literally.

[Laralinmcc]

Lara McConnaughey

Overview of Lab Comments: Overall the lab I think does a great job of transitioning the students from Snap! to Python by slowly introducing the syntax of python. I think its would be cool to add a section about how python can be and is being used like what widely used applications are coded in python. I think by giving a short blurb it will motivate students for the upcoming python material.

For specific issues: (you should copy this section as many times as necessary)

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/def-functions-recursion/function.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=5 Type of Issue: i.e. Clarity Severity: i.e. minor inconvenience Comments: Maybe add some sort of transition that says something like now we will learn how to write our own functions in python. Instead of just going straight into "head" and "body"

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html?topic=berkeley_bjc/python/besides-blocks-intro.topic&step=0&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html Type of Issue: grammar Severity: i.e. minor inconvenience Comments: Second line it says "the an interface" it should just be "an"

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/string/string-mani.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=7 Type of Issue: i.e.Clarity
Severity: i.e. minor inconvenience Comments: Should be the other way around "That's a book!" and ' "He said hello" '. The first one is an example of having the literal apostrophe as a string, the second one is an example of having the literal quotation marks as a string.

[Frankgoji]

Franklin Lee

Overview of Lab Comments: I thought this was a great introduction to Python. If one proceeds slowly and patiently, all of the small syntax quirks of Python are no big problem to learn. The lab itself seemed a bit on the short side, but that is balanced by the fact that this is an entirely new topic. So far, however, I'm finding that because students are trying to quickly finish the lab, they skip certain things that are quite essential, and thus get stuck on some small trivial thing. I doubt there is a way to write the lab so that this problem is remedied, since the cause of the problem is stress over getting checked-off.

For specific issues:

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/intro/map-blocks-to-text.html?topic=berkeley_bjc/python/besides-blocks-intro.topic&step=0&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html Type of Issue: Structure Severity: Mild Comments: The lab appears to instantly (and awkwardly) transition to the paragraph "Syntax is how code ..." without providing any context for why it's important or why students should pay attention to syntax. Also, I feel like an opportunity was lost when we could have described the difference between syntax and semantics. It should really be emphasized that through Snap, the students have already learned the major part of programming regardless of language-specific syntax.

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/syntax/var-primitive.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=2 Type of Issue: Emphasis Severity: Trivial Comments: The "Quick Tip" about using += should really be expanded on, and perhaps explained in more detail. I've received many questions about how to change the value of variables (I guess students were rushing through the lab, and didn't read the line above that), and practically no one recognized the += notation when I showed it to them. It would probably be worth mentioning that you can use other operators, such as *=, -=, etc.

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=3 Type of Issue: Slightly unclear code example Severity: Mild Comments: For the last code example at the bottom of the page, when it demonstrates the check_zero_or_odd function it doesn't display what x is before using the function. Of course, someone could easily tell what value x is after the += notation is applied to it, but as far as I know, the students are hurrying to finish the lab, and won't have patience to really check.

[judyworkman]

Judy Workman Lab #16 Review-Python Data Structures Overview of Lab Comments: This lab really helps students have a strong foundation for continuing their education in Computer Science, specifically in CS61a. However, if students are not interested in pursuing CS61a, this lab does not connect with them, although it could serve as an encouraging tool for them to take CS61a, depending on the student. The lab includes very clear comparisons between implementation in Snap and Python. The lab consists of a lot of great practice problems. However, I do think that a lot of these concepts are too challenging for the amount of Python CS10 students have learned at this point. Perhaps, the lab could be focused on just lists or just dictionaries and really tailored to that. For specific issues: Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/lists_intro.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-data-struct.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=1 Type of Issue: lack of clarity Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: Should reiterate that the first item of a list in Python is item 0 unlike in Snap! Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/list_mutability.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-data-struct.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=2 Type of Issue: lack of clarity Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: Should explain the idea of duplicating lists in Python and how the variable points to the same list. This is a confusing concept for someone who has minimal experience with Python.

[maknegana]

Your Name: Michelle Han

Overview of Lab Comments: I thought this lab was a nice, easy-paced introduction to Python. I liked how it went over the syntax and related it to the familiar Snap. I found the lab to be on the short side compared to the other labs. The lab focuses on relating Snap to Python and these comparisons can get a bit repetitive. How about introducing ideas on how Python can be used differently to make learning Python more interesting. For specific issues: Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/syntax/var-primitive.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=2 Type of Issue: repetitive Severity: i.e. Makes reader want to skip page / decreases motivation Comments: A blurb of text and a chart like the bottom simply summing up the syntax will suffice in my opinion. Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=3 Type of Issue:lack of clarity Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: Explain what elif is instead of just having the equivalent Snap Blocks. Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/def-functions-recursion/function.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=5 Type of Issue: lack of clarity Link:http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=3 Type of Issue:Lack of Clarity Severity: minor Comments: Explain more on +=. Severity: minor inconvenience Comments: mention what having no parameters as arguments in a function might do. If this is too complicated, don't mention it at all. Link:http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/string/string-mani.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=7 Severity: lack of clarity Severity: minor Comments: Perhaps introduce more methods of manipulating springs than the ones given.

[gingerengel]

Ginger Engel

Besides Blocks: Data Structures and Python Overview of Lab Comments: I think that having the Python and Snap! examples side by side helps clear up a lot of the mutability concepts in this lab. Mutability is a weird concept, and it might be helpful to add a box-and-pointer chart of some sort to show that setting listA = listB means that they both point to the same list and therefore modify the same list. I know that box-and-pointers really helped me get this concept.

Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/data_structs_getting_setup.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-data-struct.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=5 STARTER FILE Type of Issue: Exercise 6: Typo—missing “,” between height and weight for turing dictionary. Typo-space after “instrument “ in Alonzo dictionary. Typo-instrument spelled wrong in def find_players. Severity: ? Might mess up some people on this question.

[valenzuelav94]

Your Name: Vanessa Valenzuela

Overview of Lab Comments: I personally think that this is one of the best labs cs10 has. It gives students a brief overview of basic python syntax and how similar it is to the blocks in snap. For those interested in pursuing computer science as a major, this is the lab for them. It'll make the transition from cs10 to cs61a much easier but it requires patience and complete understanding. It takes a lot for students to realize that it's important to actually learn this rather than rushing through it.

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=3

Type of Issue: difficult to understand

Severity: minor

Comment(s): I think the examples towards the end require a little more direction. When working these out individually you can come up with a different conclusion from what was intended. It's important to realize that this is their first time trying Python and not many will follow through with a TA/LA simply because they think what they have the correct solution. (this is based off of what i experienced in lab, it's only limited to that!)

[adambrown13]

Your Name: Adam Brown

Overview of Lab Comments: I think this lab comes at a great time. Just as students are starting to master snap, it does a great job of creating parallels in both of the languages. The only thing that I think this lab could work on is testing, and showing those parallels a little bit better. A lot of the students had a hard time understanding how to find the errors in their codes, so some quick pointers on how to debug would help a lot. Also, often students would get stuck, and I think that pointing out that they have seen the concepts before will help a lot.

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/syntax/var-primitive.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=2 Type of Issue: Clarity Severity: Minor Comments: I think the += could be reinforced. Most students didn't know how to increment and the ones that did tried by saying [x = x+1]

[Hungukaroo]

Elizabeth Steger

Overview: When I took the course, we didn't have this lab, but I think it would have helped me out immensely for the beginning of 61A. I love the parallels with snap blocks, the focus on syntax, and just about everything about this lab!

Page Link: http://bjc.berkeley.edu/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/conditionals-loops/conditionals.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-intro.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_sp14.html&step=3

Issue: Clarity Severity: Minorish Comments: This is a fine page, but I immediately thought, "students aren't going to notice the colon." I think just merely pointing out the necessity of the colon in if/for/def/etc. statements will help some people later on. During this lab I've seen many students forget the colon, and I realize this is natural when switching from a language without focus on syntax to python, but I think certain clues here and there could help them get into good habits.

[joelterry]

Your Name: Joel Terry

Overview of Lab Comments: This is a solid introduction to Python. The side-by-side Snap/Python comparisons are key in helping the students bridge the syntax gap. Also, the virus.py default fake loading thing is pretty funny.

For specific issues: Page Link: https://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs10/labs/cur/programming/python/python_syntax_and_operators.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=3 Type of Issue: Style Severity: Extremely minimal Comments: "(Quick Tip: x = x + 8 is the same as x += 8)" -> the first parenthesis is bolded with "Quick Tip", and the last parenthesis is highlighted with "x += 8".

[MicBrain]

Rafayel Mkrtchyan

Overview of Lav Comments: This lab is a very fundamental for students who are planning to take CS61A next semester. Students who learned material from this class already have a lot of advantages. This lab teaches materials from Python that students learn during the 6-th week of CS61A. It is well-written and well-organized.

Page Link: http://beautyjoy.github.io/bjc-r/cur/programming/python/define_simple_function.html?topic=berkeley_bjc%2Fpython%2Fbesides-blocks-welcome.topic&novideo=true&noreading=true&noassignment=true&course=cs10_fa14.html&step=7 Issue: Clarity. minor Comments: It is really hard to explain the real meaning of iterable. For students, who are just learning Python is a very hard concept to understand.