What is the best way to prepare for the computer programming exam?
If you think you will be using computers extensively in your own work, then it probably makes sense to take a course that requires a substantial amount of programming. Otherwise, just choose a programming project that is interesting to you (for example, something suggested by a math course or by a book or paper you’re reading), choose a language (you might want to ask around to find out which language is most appropriate for your chosen problem), buy a reference book about that language, and start writing code. The computing staff or computer TAs can help you if you get stuck.
