It is definitely harder than 142 but I found it to be more rewarding once I finish a homework assignment and the code works. The homework takes a lot of effort, and the grading is even more strict since you have to remember all the style rules from 142 plus there are new ones added every week.

Start your homework early. It's pretty much impossible to get a high grade otherwise. Doing the homework early also gives you time to go to office hours if you don't understand something. I was at office hours every other week and it always saved me a few style points by asking the TA's.

Reges is pretty good at explaining stuff in my experience. His lecture examples are almost a copy of the homework assignments so that's super helpful.

The material is very interesting and useful, and the lectures are designed for people like me who had never written a line of code before taking the class. However, the curve in this class is kind of harsh, and the grading is very nitpicky. I think it's unfortunate that an introductory course punishes GPA of people who just want to see what programming is like.

Do your homework early so you have time to sit and stare at your code until you hopefully find something you can correct. Use practice-it before exams when that becomes a thing again. If you just want an introduction to programming and have no plans of pursuing a CS-related major, maybe consider CSE 160 instead.

Reges was pretty good. His lecture examples are VERY similar to the homework so finishing the homework is not hard. The hard part is fixing up your style.

Ok, let’s go ahead and get started with the review…this was a good class with a knowledgeable professor, even with his eccentric out-of-class personality in mind, but the grading curve kinda ruins it. This class is known for being a weedout for intended CSE or STEM majors, but the content is interesting and useful still despite its competitive nature. I think getting a 3.3 in it is part of what led to me majoring in Math because I couldn’t get into CS or Info after 3 apps.

Go to office hours. With either Reges or the TAs. They help a lot. Take the CSE 390 seminar attached to it (if it’s still offered) if you wanna deepen your CS knowledge. Also remember to clean up your code for those style points.

I took 142 with Wortzman (got an A) and I liked him too. I honestly prefer him to Reges.

Remotely, this class was really good. No tests and much less busy work than I expected. The grading scale and curve are honestly so messed and Professor Reges does dock off points for various silly things in HW assignments, which aren't really in the students' control, but I guess that's the case for all weedout classes here.

Rewatch lectures and ask questions. Revise your code as much as you can. Make sure to clean up your code to get those style points.

Professor Reges does an excellent job making sure you understand the material and the structure to his class is very organized.