|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Computer Science AB: The AP Java Subset
|
|
| |
The AP Java subset is intended to outline the features of Java that may appear on AP Computer Science Examinations. The AP Java subset is NOT intended as an overall prescription for computer science courses -- the subset itself will need to be supplemented in order to cover a typical introductory curriculum. For example, I/O is essential to programming and can be done in many different ways. Because of this, specific I/O features are not tested on the AP Computer Science Exam.
This document describes the Java subset that students will be expected to understand when they take the AP Computer Science Exam. A number of features are also mentioned that are potentially relevant in a CS1/2 course but are not specifically tested on the AP Computer Science Exam.
When formulating the subset, we were guided by three principles:
- Enable the test designers to formulate meaningful questions
- Help students with test preparation
- Enable instructors to follow a variety of approaches in their courses
To help students with test preparation, the AP Java subset was intentionally kept small. We omitted language constructs and library features that did not add significant functionality and that can, for the formulation of exam questions, be expressed by other mechanisms in the subset. For example, inner classes or the StringBuffer class are not essential for the formulation of exam questions -- the exam uses alternatives that can be easily understood by students. Of course, these constructs add significant value for programming. Omission of a feature from the AP Java subset does not imply any judgment that the feature is inferior or not worthwhile.
The AP Java subset gives instructors flexibility in how they use Java in their courses. For example, some courses teach how to perform input/output using streams or readers/writers, others teach graphical user interface construction, and yet others rely on a tool or library that handles input/output. For the purpose of the AP Computer Science Exam, these choices are incidental and are not central for the mastery of computer science concepts. The AP Java subset does not address handling of user input at all. That means that the subset is not complete. To create actual programs, instructors need to present additional mechanisms in their classes.
The following section contains the language features that may be tested on the AP Computer Science Exam. Following that is a section specifying which Standard Java classes and methods will be used on the exam. There will be no extra AP classes provided as part of the subset. A summary table is provided that outlines the features that are tested on the A and AB exams, the AB exam only, and those features that are useful but are not tested on either exam.
Language Features
The language features that are tested on the A and AB exams is provided in the
 Language Features
Standard Classes and Interfaces With Their Required Methods
The classes, interfaces, methods, implementation classes for linked lists and tree nodes, and interfaces for stacks, queues, and priority queues that are used on the AP CS AB Exam are listed in the
Computer Science AB: Quick Reference Guide
Note to instructors: Sample implementations for Stack, Queue, and Priority Queue are supplied for convenience on
AP Computer Science AB: Implementation Classes and Interfaces
AP Computer Science AB: Implementation Classes and Interfaces
Summary
A summary table is that outlines the features that are tested on the A and AB exams is provided in
Summary Table of Language Features
|
|
|
|
|
|
