CMSC 223: Systems Programming

Welcome to CS223: Systems Programming!

Systems programming is the foundation of all software and toolkits that serve as infrastructure for other software, such as compilers, operating systems, networking APIs, and graphics engines. Systems programming directly interacts with machine characteristics and low-level data types. Class topics include pointers, bit representations of data, x86_64 assembly, memory management, processes, and threads. In this class, students will gain hands-on experience implementing low-level algorithms and data structures using C. Additionally, students will build technical skills related to makefiles, interactive debugging, version control, and command-line shell interaction. C++ and STL will be introduced at the end of the course.

The syllabus may change during the semester. Please check here every week for updates on lecture content, worksheets, and assignments.

All graded work will receive a grade, 4.0, 3.7, 3.3, 3.0, 2.7, 2.3, 2.0, 1.7, 1.3, 1.0, or 0.0. At the end of the semester, final grades will be calculated as a weighted average of all grades according to the following weights:

At Bryn Mawr, we assume students are trustworthy and work with honesty and integrity. Look here for information about Bryn Mawr’s Honor Code.. Obviously, quizzes and exams must be your own work. However, you will be allowed to work with others on assignments; although everyone must still submit their own work.

Programming is a creative skill that takes practice and effort to develop. It’s essential that you develop your own skills for developing algorithms and implementing them through programs.

Quizzes and exams will be closed book. You will be able to bring a single cheat sheet with you.

The goal of assignments and labs is to help you prepare for quizzes and exams. The goals of quizzes and exams are to help you internalize the material (and provide feedback on how well you understand the material) so that you can grow towards your full potential as someone who can solve technical problems and who can create their own systems and devices. If you can sit down, focus, and answer questions within a time limit, you understand the material and can communicate that understanding to someone else. If you are doing worksheets and assignments but not doing well on quizzes, you need to re-think how you are approaching assignments. You can assess whether you’re effectively using assignments to learn if you can do the following after completing it:

Here is advice that has worked well for me.

I do not recommend relying on stack overflow, copying old solutions, and using Chat-GPT. The absolute worst way to program is by cutting and pasting code you don’t understand, guessing your way to something that kind of works.

I am not going to police how you study and develop skills. If you’re not doing well, you need to figure out how to work differently.

Do’s:

Don’ts:

It’s ultimately up to you to learn from your assignments! No one is going to hire you to do work that they can easily do themselves using a search or AI program generator. You can only build expertise with experience and practice.

One final point: we will be using open-source repositories for homeworks in this class. Thus, it will be possible to see what other students (and previous students) have submitted. If you copy from others' repositories, it will be obvious, including potential employers! Only look at other solutions after you have finished your own first!

Classes will be recorded and close-captioned. Links to lectures will be posted on the class slack.

To receive an accommodation for a course activity (such as more time on quizzes and exams), you must have an Accommodation Letter from the Office of Student Disability Services and you need to contact us to work out the details of your accommodation at least two weeks prior to the activity. Forms can be emailed to me, the instructor.

You are also welcome to contact us privately to discuss your academic needs. However, all disability-related accommodations must be arranged, in advance, through Student Disability Services. Also note that accommodations are not retroactive and require advance notice to implement. More information can be obtained at the Access Services website. (http://www.brynmawr.edu/access-services/)

Lectures and labs will have a mask-friendly policy. All are welcome to wear a mask if they so wish, but no one is mandated to wear a mask.

If you are symptomatic (coughing, sore throat, or running nose), please either stay at home or come into campus with a mask. Lectures will be recorded so they can be watched later. Missed lab activities and quizzes will have their grade credit transferred to the final.

Bryn Mawr/Haverford College is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive living and learning environment where all can feel secure and free from harassment. All forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence are violations of Bryn Mawr/Haverford’s policies, whether they occur on or off campus. Bryn Mawr/Haverford faculty are committed to helping to create a safe learning environment for all students and for the College community as a whole. If you have experienced any form of gender or sex-based discrimination, harassment, or violence, know that help and support are available. Staff members are trained to support students in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, and more.

The College strongly encourages all students to report any incidents of sexual misconduct. Please be aware that all Bryn Mawr/Haverford employees (other than those designated as confidential resources such as counselors, clergy, and healthcare providers) are required to report information about such discrimination and harassment to the Bi-College Title IX Coordinator.

Information about the College’s Sexual Misconduct policy, reporting options, and a list of campus and local resources can be found on the College’s website:

Bryn Mawr Sexual Misconduct Policy

Haverford Sexual Misconduct Policy