CSCI-2910 Resource
Midterm Exam Topic Study Guide
Python
Running from the Terminal
How to execute Python scripts via the terminal/command line.
Relative Paths
Understanding and working with file paths relative to the current directory.
Package Management
How to install and manage Python packages using tools like pip.
Database (DB) Review
Object-Relational Mappers (ORMs)
Overview of ORMs and their role in abstracting database interactions.
Schema
Understanding database schema design and implementation.
Web Architecture
Data Transmission
Methods of transmitting data over the web.
HTTP(S)
Overview of HTTP and HTTPS protocols.
Client-Server Architecture
Understanding the client-server model in web applications.
Distributed Architecture
Systems where components are located on different networked computers but work together as a unified system.
Example: Netflix, which uses geolocated caches to deliver content closer to users for faster streaming and reduced latency.
Decentralized Architecture
Systems with no single central authority, where control is distributed across multiple nodes.
Example: TOR (The Onion Router) or Blockchain, where each node contributes to the network's functionality without a central point of control.
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)
Markup Language
Understanding the role of markup languages (such as XML and JSON) in APIs.
Serialization/Deserialization
Converting data structures into formats suitable for storage or transmission and vice versa.
API Analysis Scenario Question
How to analyze an API and use some or all of its endpoints. There will be a scenario question for this topic. Be prepared!
Dataset Analysis & API Creation Scenario Question
How to analyze a dataset and create an API to interface with it. There will be a scenario question for this topic. Be prepared!