Introduction

Welcome to CSE 382 - Patterns in Functional Programming!

In previous classes, you may have looked at design patterns and data structures that are commonly used in programming. When using functional programming, there are unique design patterns and different approaches to data structures that we need to consider. Here is the schedule for the course:

  • Week 1-2: Erlang Basics
  • Week 3: Persistence
  • Weeks 4-7: Design Patterns
    • Higher Order Functions - Map, Filter, Fold, Unfold
    • Monoids
    • Monads
    • Streams (Lazy)
  • Weeks 8-12: Data Structures
    • Binary Search Trees
    • Min Heaps
    • Random Access Lists
    • Tries
    • Queues & Deques

This is a 3-credit class and there is a reading for each day (e.g. Part 1 before class on Monday, Part 2 before class on Wednesday, and Part 3 before class on Friday). Each reading includes a problem set to complete. You should work on each problem set after you do each reading. During class we will cover the material in the reading with examples. The material can be complicated and fast paced so you should do the reading and attempt some of the problems before class.

We will be using Erlang in this class. If you already know Clojure, you will find that Erlang is easier to use and learn (with much fewer parentheses!). During the first week we will learn the basics of Erlang. You will learn more about Erlang as you implement the material during the course.

You will be given starting code for each problem set which you must use. You should submit all the problem sets weekly on Saturday evening to stay on track.

You can resubmit any of your work for a higher grade as many times as you want during the semester. Late work will be penalized 10% which means it is okay to submit partially completed work. The late penalty will not be removed if you resubmit for a higher grade.

At the beginning of Week 12, you will be given an open book, open note, take-home final exam which will be due on the last day of the semester. The final exam will assess your understanding of principles taught during the course.

Your grade will be composed of 80% for the weekly problem sets and 20% for the final exam.

Attendance to class is required.

Office hours and contact information for this semester can be found on the Syllabus page in I-Learn.

Useful websites that would be good to bookmark:

The material in this book is based on the work done by Lee Barney at BYU-Idaho (Source: https://github.com/byui-cse/cse382-course)

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