Learning Journal

Five Concepts Learned in Intro to Database Systems: 1. Schema and Data Types: Schema defines the structure of a table by specifying column names, their data types and keys, which form the blueprint for how data is stored and accessed.  2. Conditions and Query Evaluation: Logical conditions are used to filter data and queries apply conditions to return only the rows that satisfy the given query.  3. Practical Uses of Java Collections: Java structures like ArrayList to manage schemas and tuples, and practiced accessing elements by index to support efficient query and table operations.  4. Heap tables: Combines schemas, blocked files and bitmaps to create a disk-based table that can insert, delete and lookup rows in a way similar to a simple database storage engine.  5. Bitmaps: A bitmap efficiently tracks which row slots in a table are free or occupied, helping the system quickly find available space after deletes.  Questions about databases:  1. How do real-...

 Part One: Set your Educational Goals My primary educational goal in CS program is to develop a string and practical mastery of core CS concepts, including algorithms, programming languages, software engineering, and systems. I envision myself confidently solving algorithmic problems, understanding complex system architectures, and applying discrete mathematics to real-world challenges. I want to graduate with a skill set that allows me to design efficient software solutions, analyze problems from multiple perspectives, and communicate technical ideas clearly. I hope to excel on the capstone projects, future internships and collaborative environments by applying the knowledge I have gained. Beyond the CS program, I plan to continue to learn through a masters program and certificate programs. I also plan to continue learning in emerging areas such as AI, ML, and cybersecurity.  Part Two: Set your Career Goals A mathematical engineer / data engineer job after graduation in Sprin...

 Part 1: Time Management and Study Techniques  One of the topics that I need to improve on is procrastination. The URL that was provided ( https://www.academictips.org/acad/index.html ). The time management tips emphasized the importances of breaking tasks into smaller, tackling manageable parts and using a clear daily schedule to stay on track. Avoiding procrastination is less about motivation and more about building consistent habits and holding oneself accountable  Part 2: Weekly Readings and Material on Ethics This week's materials on ethics enhanced my understanding that integrity is about following rules but also about the choices we as individuals make and making sure that our choices align with honesty and respect. Ethical behavior builds on trust in every professional, social and personal setting. Applying ethical principles makes an individual more responsible and a stronger team member.  Part 3: Reflection on "What a Computer Science Major Needs to Know" T...

 1. An SQL view is a virtual table that is created from the result of a query. Similar to a regular table, it can be queried with SELECT statements, and shows data in rows and columns, making it similar to working with actual tables. A view does not physically store any data, it simply displays the data stored in underlying tables. Views also no not have their own primary keys, indexes or constraints. Views can also not be modified with INSERT, UPDATE or DELETE operations. View's main purpose is to simplify complex queries and encapsulate logic.  2. SQL and Java are very different languages, but do have some similarities. Some examples of similar features are:  - SQL's WHERE statements serve the same purpose as Java's if statements in controlling conditional logic.  - SQL's SELECT statements are similar to Java's return statement such that they both specify what values should be produced.  - Both SQL and Java rely on data types, functions, and expressions to man...

Reflecting Learning Strategy:      Top 3  Strengths:           - Keeping notes organized: I have structured my notes in a format that is clear for me and easy to                        understand.           - Time management/awareness: Since working a full time job and being a full time student, I have                   learned to manage my time effectively and in a way that has not hindered my education or work.           - Re-reading and understanding main/key points: I have learned that the most effective way to learn                   for me while reading is summarizing key points/topic/ideas in my own words.       Top 3 Weaknees          - Test-taking: ...

 SQL has the ability to join tables. The join will use keys either primary keys or foreign keys. This is an example of joining where something other than keys would be used.  Example (Google search for examples to join tables where something other than keys are used): Obtain the names of all pairs of products where the price of the first product is greater than the price of the second product. (Google AI - Gemini example) SQL code:  select P1.ProductName as HigherPricedProduct, P2.ProductName as LowerPricedProduct, P1.Price as                        HigherPrice,  P 2.Price as LowerPrice from Product as P1 join Product as P2 on P1.Price > P2.Price order by P1.Price desc, P2.Price desc; SQL language is a complex language that is very beneficial when working with large datasets. Majority of the time it is easy(currently) in the course to translate an English sentence into SQL, but as the course goes on ...

 Relational database tables and spreadsheet have similarities based off their appearance, but have key differences. Spreadsheets are useful for simple tasks such as making lists, tracking deliveries or anything else that does not have much data. When the dataset gets large, spreadsheets get messy and can have errors more easily. Relational database tables are build to handle large datasets. Databases keep data organized across multiple tables and have riles that keep the information accurate. Databases also allow different tables to connect together like linking the list of products a company sells to the price of each product.  Important reasons that make database useful investment of time are that they are reliable and secure. Multiple users can have access to a database and are able to update, search, report data at the same time. For searching within the database, they support a fast method of finding what one needs. The database can be protected through security.  In...

This week has been a learning opportunity, just like how I expect the upcoming weeks to be. This week has been about time management to complete the required assignments as well as go through the advised readings and lectures. I have established a scheduled and routine for studying this week and hope to continue it for the upcoming 8 weeks. Looking forward to learning!