CST 338 Week 7

 Beyond The Basics

Reflecting on my journey through CST338, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment about the work I did on HW1, where I created Histogram.java. At the time, it was a challenging task that pushed my understanding of Java and object-oriented programming. The assignment involved creating a program that reads a file, counts the occurrences of each uppercase letter, and then displays these counts in a histogram. This exercise was essential in reinforcing my grasp of Java's file handling and array manipulation capabilities. Looking back, I realize how much I've grown since then, especially after exploring more complex topics this semester.

One of the significant areas of improvement is my understanding of object-oriented software design, particularly through the application of inheritance and interfaces. In HW1, I worked with basic Java classes and methods, but now I have a much deeper comprehension of designing software using inheritance and interfaces to promote code reuse and flexibility. For example, had I been able to apply these principles back then, I might have structured the Histogram class to extend a more generic FileProcessor class, or I might have defined an interface for reading and processing different file types. This approach would have made my code more modular and adaptable to future changes.

Another victory has been my enhanced proficiency in using design patterns, which has been a game-changer in how I approach software development. In the past, my focus was primarily on making the code work, often overlooking the importance of maintainability and scalability. Now, with a solid understanding of design patterns such as Singleton, Factory, and Observer, I can design systems that are not only functional but also robust and efficient. If I were to revisit Histogram.java, I might consider implementing a Factory pattern to instantiate different types of histograms or an Observer pattern to update the UI dynamically as data is processed.

Moreover, my comfort with Java collections and inner classes has significantly improved. Initially, I relied heavily on arrays for storing and manipulating data in the Histogram class. However, I now recognize the power and flexibility offered by Java Collections like ArrayList and HashMap, which provide dynamic data structures and built-in methods for sorting and searching. Additionally, understanding and utilizing inner classes can help encapsulate functionality and improve code organization, something I could leverage for managing the histogram's internal data representation.

Finally, the introduction to Android development has broadened my perspective on how Java can be applied beyond console-based applications. While HW1 was a console program, I now see the potential to develop Android apps that can offer users a graphical interface for interacting with histograms, making the application more user-friendly and accessible. The skills gained from learning Android development, such as using Android Studio and understanding the Android lifecycle, equip me with the tools to transform simple Java programs into comprehensive applications.

My journey through CST338 has been transformative. I've developed a stronger foundation in Java, enhanced my object-oriented design skills, and expanded my capabilities to include Android development. Looking back at HW1, I feel proud of my initial accomplishments, but I'm even more excited about how much more effective and efficient my approach to software development has become. The victories in understanding design patterns and Java collections, along with my newfound Android skills, make me confident in tackling future challenges with a more strategic and informed mindset.