I found the "assembly" part of the class to be super fun and the "architecture" part to be really dry and horrible - think long readings with quizzes that have questions on things that aren't even in the long readings (although it's open everything - book, notes, Google Search, etc.). Start the projects early - you usually get two weeks for them - and actually learn to use the debugger and you should be fine. One minor annoying point: The projects for a few of the modules were actually assigned the week AFTER you'd do the reading for it - I think so that you could let it soak in - but it often meant that I didn't really understand the readings until after I'd done the project, so in my case, that sort of backfired. But if you're not getting it the first time around, go back after you get more practical experience and see if it makes more sense!

Submitted Wed Mar 26 2025

Give yourself plenty of time for the last two projects

Submitted Sun Jun 23 2024

This class is a grind. The only advice is to start the projects early and to go to office hours when you get stuck. Getting an A is doable. I also would not be scared of the midterm and final. Both actually helped my grade

Submitted Mon Jun 17 2024

Start assignments early and give yourself multiple days.

Submitted Fri Apr 05 2024

Very good class. It's challenging but in a good way. The first couple weeks are a lot of reading and new info, but after that it's more focused on the coding. Projects 1-5 weren't too hard, but I struggled with Project 6, so like others have said start it ASAP. Overall I feel like a better programmer after taking this class.

Submitted Sat Mar 23 2024

There is a lot of material to cover in the first 2/3 of the course. Projects 1-5 are pretty simple and I was able to complete them in one sitting. Start project 6 early, it was significantly more challenging than the first 5. You are able to use the penjee calculator for binary <--> hex <--> decimal conversions on the tests, so get comfortable with it early and it will make your life easier.

Submitted Wed Mar 20 2024

This class is difficult, but manageable. It contains a lot of information, most of which will eventually need to be committed to memory. Create flash cards and start memorizing concepts from the check your knowledge sections, module summary exercises, and quizzes to prepare for the midterm and final. Watch all the videos, and review any worksheets/files you're given. Start the projects early and do the extra credit. Project 5 is significantly more difficult than 1-4, and Project 6 is exponentially more difficult than the rest. Give yourself at least a week to complete Project 6.

Submitted Mon Dec 18 2023

Everyone says it, but the last two projects do ramp up quite a bit in difficulty. Also, do the extra credit!

Submitted Sun Oct 01 2023

The course starts deceptively easy but gets more challenging as weeks progress. You start off with training wells and take them off by project 6. Project 1-5 are manageable in 1-2 sittings, but project 6 I would set aside more time about 3-4 days.

Submitted Mon Aug 21 2023

It really is all about the last two projects. DEFINITELY take this course over summer. There's no midterm/final, and it completely changes the level of chill in the class. You still got to get through those two projects, but you're not facing a final after that. Go to office hours, plan ahead, and prepare to hack away the last couple of weeks of the quarter.

Submitted Sun Aug 20 2023