- What did you do this past week?
This past week, I primarily focused on getting my C++ environment setup on my Windows machine. I was able to successfully install Docker and got Cygwin setup in order to make files. I also got VS Code setup with the correct extensions to code in C++.
2. What’s in your way?
Currently, biggest thing in my way is the assignment, specifically the optimizations I will have to make in order to pass the HackerRank tests. I haven’t yet attempted these optimizations, but plan to work on the homework this long weekend.
3. What will you do next week?
Next week, I will begin by fixing the broken unit and integration tests. Then I will get the base Collatz solution working, trying to pass the first HackerRank tests. After that I will work on the optimizations Professor Downing described in class and try to think of some of my own. Hopefully, the combination of all these optimizations will be sufficient to pass HackerRank.
4. What was your experience of assertions, Google Test, and gcov? (this question will vary, week to week)
I haven’t yet had the chance to use Google Test or gcov, but have used coverage tools in my past internship (JaCoCo). I found coverage is helpful in understanding how rigorous one’s testing is, particularly with ensuring that my tests cover all edge cases. In the past, coverage has helped point out my lack of testing of preconditions or cases where the user inputs invalid parameters.
5. How are you doing and holding up? What’s been most helpful for you in terms of support at this time?
I have been holding up well, overall, and am enjoying my time at home (I am completely online this semester). Having my family around has helped a lot in getting through this tough time. I also have been trying to keep in touch with my college and high school friends, which has helped me feel less isolated and lonely.
6. What made you happy this week?
I was happy to rejoin the research group I have been working with at UT.
7. What’s your pick-of-the-week or tip-of-the-week?
My pick-of-the-week would be Cygwin, a programming environment/shell that is quite similar to Linux, but can be run on a windows machine. I found the setup/installation to be relatively simple, allowing me to use Linux commands on my windows machine, while all taking place in the same file system.
