My big mean lecture

• This is a theory class.
  • I expect you to know and be able to use material from Linear Algebra
  • And Algebra, and Trig and possibly some Calculus
  • I expect you to learn algorithms, data structures and other theoretical concepts related to computer graphics.
• This is a programming class.
  • I expect you to spend time in the lab writing code.
  • I expect your code to run on a linux box.
  • I expect your code to be modular, and readable.
• We will be using some advanced concepts
  • I expect you to be able to make an array, linked list, or class at will.
  • If you don't know about the standard template library, especially the standard container library, you should become familiar with it.
    • I would learn the VECTOR class RIGHT NOW.
  • I expect you to be able to use an API after it has been explained to you.
  • We will be using OpenGL, and GLUT.
  • I expect you to be able to use features such as makefiles, at least minimally, after they have been explained.
• Graphics code is sometimes hard to debug
  • We will be dealing with code someone else has written (or implemented in hardware), and can't get to it.
  • Small mistakes can lead to a blank screen.
  • In the end, if there is no image on the screen what do I do next?
  • I expect you to ask for help when you need it.
• We will break a few rules
  • When using an API it is often more convenient to use global variables.
  • But don't let your entire style break down.
  • This is especially true when you are in an event driven programming model.
• There are plenty of references on the web, use them.