[CSC 204] Re: Assignment 6 Questions

[Andrew J. Pounds]

> Dr.Pounds
>
> When we get the file containing the zip codes, do we add them into an 
> array list? Does each separate portion (city name, zip code, 
> coordinates) each be put into a separate array? Or do we do like how 
> we did in lab 14 and create new objects that are based on something we 
> build from the ground up? When we have to create this algorithm, is it 
> basically a formula?
>
> Thank-you,
>  
For the zip code and coordinate data -- its your call how you do that. 
Some people like using parallel arrays, some people prefer array lists.  
I mean think about it, here are some possible ways to store the data:
1. parallel arrays for zip code, city, state, latitude, longitude, time 
zone, and dst observance
2. parallel ArrayLists for each of these
3. a single array made up of zipcoord objects, with each of these 
variables stored as an instance  variable
4. a sindle ArrayList made up of zipcoord objects


An algorithm is a process by which you solve a particular problem.  In a 
sense it is a formula, but it is more general than that. You have all 
had to come up with "small" algorithms to solve  specific small  
problems in your former programs --  like how to count syllables in the 
Flesch reading index.  Thinking about how to plan your flights is just a 
bigger version of that.   To get you started, sketch a map of the 
southern states and the city locations, beside each city write down how 
many people have to be picked up.  Somewhere else on your sheet of 
paper, keep a tally of who is on your plane and where they need to go.  
Think through some scenarios of picking people up and dropping them 
off.  Here is the important thing --- think about what decision 
processes you are following in your head to pick people up and drop them 
off.  Write that decision process down in words as specifically as you 
can -- including as many "decisions" as you can.  That description is 
called an algorithm.    Then convert that algorithm to code and test 
it.  Here is a hint -- the more specific your algorithm is, the easier 
it will be to convert it to code.



-- 
Andrew J. Pounds, Ph.D.  (pounds at theochem.mercer.edu)
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Computer Science
Mercer University,  Macon, GA 31207   (478) 301-5627

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