Complete Readings Index
Welcome to the complete readings index for TaoTeZipcode! This page lists all course materials organized by their reading numbers, making it easy to find assigned readings and track your progress.
How to Use This Index
- Find assigned readings: If your instructor assigns “Reading 4.5”, scan the index to find it quickly
- Track progress: Check off readings as you complete them
- Plan ahead: See what’s coming next in your learning path
- Reference: Bookmark this page for quick access to any article
1.0 Computational Thinking Foundations
Core problem-solving methodologies that form the foundation of all programming work.
| Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Decomposition | Breaking down complex problems into manageable pieces |
| 1.2 | Abstraction | Hiding complexity while preserving essential characteristics |
| 1.3 | Pattern Recognition | Identifying similarities and connections between problems |
| 1.4 | Algorithmic Design | Creating step-by-step procedures to solve problems systematically |
Suggested Sequence: Complete in order (1.1 → 1.2 → 1.3 → 1.4)
2.0 Development Environment & Tools
Essential command-line tools and version control systems every developer needs.
| Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Shell Basics | Essential command-line skills for navigating and working in the terminal |
| 2.2 | Git Guide | Version control fundamentals for managing code |
| 2.3 | Linux Files Guide | Understanding file systems, permissions, and navigation |
| 2.4 | Zsh Guide | Modern shell features and configuration for power users |
Suggested Sequence: 2.1 → 2.3 → 2.2 → 2.4 (master shell before Git)
3.0 Programming Fundamentals
Cross-language concepts and professional development skills.
| Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Basics Guide | General programming fundamentals and development environment setup |
| 3.2 | What’s a REPL | Understanding Read-Eval-Print Loops for interactive programming |
| 3.3 | Unit Testing Basics | Fundamentals of testing your code to ensure correctness |
| 3.4 | Approaching Programming Labs | Systematic strategies for tackling programming assignments |
| 3.5 | Metacognition | Thinking about your thinking to become a better learner |
| 3.6 | Intro to Note-Taking | Effective note-taking strategies for programming education |
| 3.7 | Attention as a Strength | Managing focus and energy for deep programming work |
Suggested Sequence: 3.1 → 3.2 → 3.6 → 3.5 → 3.4 → 3.3 → 3.7
4.0 Java Code Reading
Progressive Java examples from beginner to advanced, showcasing object-oriented programming.
Core Java Progression
| Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Java Beginner Basics | Variables, data types, and basic Java syntax |
| 4.2 | Java Fundamentals | Core Java concepts and control flow |
| 4.3 | Java Control Structures | Conditionals, loops, and program flow control |
| 4.4 | Objects and Methods | Object-oriented programming basics in Java |
| 4.5 | OOP Concepts | Interfaces, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation |
| 4.6 | Collections | Lists, sets, maps, and Java’s collections framework |
| 4.7 | File I/O | Reading, writing, and processing files in Java |
| 4.8 | Threads & Concurrency | Multi-threading and synchronization patterns |
Capstone Project: Pong Game
| Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4.9 | Pong Game Project | Complete game project overview and architecture |
| 4.9.1 | Ball Class | Game physics and ball movement |
| 4.9.2 | Paddle Class | Player paddle implementation |
| 4.9.3 | Score Class | Score tracking and display |
| 4.9.4 | Game Panel | Main game rendering and logic |
| 4.9.5 | Game Frame | Window and UI setup |
| 4.9.6 | Main Game | Application entry point |
Suggested Sequence: Complete 4.1-4.8 in order, then explore 4.9.x as a capstone
5.0 Python Code Reading
Progressive Python examples from beginner to advanced, emphasizing Pythonic patterns.
| Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Python Beginner Basics | Variables, data types, and basic Python syntax |
| 5.2 | Python Fundamentals | Core Python concepts and data structures |
| 5.3 | Python Control Structures | Conditionals, loops, and control flow in Python |
| 5.4 | Slicing | Working with sequences and advanced slicing patterns |
| 5.5 | Comprehensions | List, dict, and set comprehensions for elegant data processing |
| 5.6 | Classes and Methods | Object-oriented programming in Python |
| 5.7 | File I/O | Reading, writing, and managing files efficiently |
| 5.8 | Generators & Iterators | Lazy evaluation and memory-efficient data processing |
| 5.9 | Decorators & Context Managers | Code enhancement and resource management patterns |
| 5.10 | Pythonic Patterns | Idiomatic Python code and best practices |
| 5.11 | Virtual Environments | Managing Python dependencies and project isolation |
Suggested Sequence: Complete in order (5.1 → 5.11)
6.0 Troubleshooting & Fixes
Common setup issues and their solutions. Reference these as needed.
| Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1 | Git SSH Key Setup | Setting up SSH keys for Git authentication |
| 6.2 | Spark Docker Setup | Troubleshooting Spark and Docker configuration |
Usage: Reference material - consult when you encounter specific setup problems
7.0 Practice & Application
Whiteboard problems and supplemental notes for practice and reinforcement.
| Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | Whiteboard: Beginner Python | Beginner-level Python whiteboard problems |
| 7.2 | Whiteboard: Beginner Pseudocode | Beginner problems focusing on algorithmic thinking |
| 7.3 | Whiteboard: Intermediate Pseudocode | Intermediate-level algorithmic challenges |
| 7.4 | Notes on Beginner Java | Supplemental notes for Java beginners |
| 7.5 | Notes on Beginner Python | Supplemental notes for Python beginners |
Usage: Practice problems to reinforce concepts from main readings
Learning Paths
Path 1: Foundations First (Recommended for Beginners)
Start here if you’re new to programming:
- Complete 1.1-1.4 (Computational Thinking)
- Complete 2.1-2.3 (Tools)
- Complete 3.1-3.2 (Programming Basics)
- Choose Java (4.1+) or Python (5.1+) track
Path 2: Java Developer Track
For students focusing on Java:
- Complete 1.1-1.4 (Computational Thinking)
- Complete 2.1-2.2 (Shell & Git)
- Complete 3.1-3.4 (Programming Fundamentals)
- Progress through 4.1-4.8 (Java Core)
- Complete 4.9.x (Pong Capstone)
Path 3: Python Developer Track
For students focusing on Python:
- Complete 1.1-1.4 (Computational Thinking)
- Complete 2.1-2.2 (Shell & Git)
- Complete 3.1-3.4 (Programming Fundamentals)
- Progress through 5.1-5.11 (Python)
Path 4: Full Stack
For students learning both languages:
- Complete 1.1-1.4 (Computational Thinking)
- Complete 2.1-2.4 (All Tools)
- Complete 3.1-3.7 (All Fundamentals)
- Complete 4.1-4.8 (Java)
- Complete 5.1-5.11 (Python)
- Practice with 7.1-7.5
Progress Tracking
Print this page or create a checklist to track your progress through the readings. Here’s a suggested format:
Week 1:
☐ 1.1 Decomposition
☐ 1.2 Abstraction
☐ 2.1 Shell Basics
☐ 3.1 Basics Guide
☐ 3.6 Intro to Note-Taking
Week 2:
☐ 1.3 Pattern Recognition
☐ 1.4 Algorithmic Design
☐ 2.2 Git Guide
☐ 2.3 Linux Files Guide
☐ 3.5 Metacognition
... and so onQuick Search by Number
Looking for a specific reading? Use your browser’s find feature (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) and search for the number (e.g., “3.5”).
Tips for Success
Make the Most of These Readings
- Don’t just skim—actively engage with the examples
- Take notes in your own words
- Try the code examples yourself
- Connect concepts to your current lab work
- Ask questions when something isn’t clear
- Review previous readings when needed
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Skipping prerequisite readings
- Reading too many articles at once without practice
- Not taking breaks between complex topics
- Memorizing instead of understanding
- Moving ahead before mastering fundamentals
Need Help?
- Lost or confused? Go back to 1.1-1.4 to refresh computational thinking foundations
- Struggling with tools? Review 2.1-2.3 and use 6.1-6.2 for troubleshooting
- Feeling overwhelmed? Read 3.5-3.7 for metacognition and study strategies
- Want more practice? Work through 7.1-7.5 whiteboard problems
Last Updated: January 2026
🚀 Start with 1.1: Decomposition