The text book is optional but very helpful. Lectures were online through zoom and recorded for later viewing if needed. Gerber is a very nice professor. Personally I am not a fan of the read off the PowerPoint teaching style, but he makes that style more interesting than other professors. The material is very difficult. Really pay attention in class and ask questions if you’re confused. The homework is the most difficult, then quizzes, then exams. Start early on all of it.

Start early on any given assignment. The material is difficult. Don’t be afraid to reference book, go to office hours, and use online resources (without cheating of course)

Gerber is a great professor and you will fly through the course. I didn't touch the textbook once, just followed his examples and slides. Due to covid he's given lengthy time to complete exams and quizzes. However, every semester his graders suck at grading and you won't know your grade until the very end. There was maybe 1 TA out of them all who wasn't continually 2+ months late.

Follow his examples. Don't rely on having a grade to know how you're doing.

The class is really good and as well Dr. Gerber. Overall the course was medium difficulty however he made the exams easy since we had a day to complete them. Highly recommend to read the textbook, it's extremely useful.

Definitely read the textbook, Sipser explains the concept very simple as well some of the homework problems are from there.