Professional Self-Assessment

Narrative for Changes

WeightTracker Project

Artifact Description: The WeightTracker application, developed in Android Studio, allows users to record their weight daily, store their data, sign in, manage their profile, and receive notifications upon reaching their goal weight. The initial version was created in 2023, with significant improvements to the SQLite database schema implemented in July 2024.

Justification for Inclusion in ePortfolio: This artifact was selected because it demonstrates practical application of database management, user interface design, and notification handling in Android development. It showcases the ability to build a functional app with a focus on user experience and data integrity.

Specific Components Showcasing Skills:

• Database Management: The addition of foreign key constraints illustrates proficiency in maintaining data integrity and managing relational databases.
• CRUD Operations: The updated CRUD operations in DBHelper reflect the ability to handle complex data interactions.
• User Management: Implementing sign-in and profile management demonstrates skills in user authentication and personalization.
• Notifications: Adding congratulatory notifications highlights the use of Android’s notification system to enhance user engagement.

Improvements included:

• BHelper.java: Added userId as a foreign key in the weightEntry table. Updated the onUpgrade method to handle adding the foreign key in existing databases. Updated the methods to work with userId for adding and retrieving weight entries.
• UserSessionManager.java: Added a new key KEY_USER_ID to store and retrieve the user's ID. Updated createUserSession and getUserId methods to handle the user ID.
• WeightEntry.java: Added a new field userId to represent the foreign key. Updated constructors to include userId.

Meeting Course Objectives: The enhancements met the objectives of improving database schema design and ensuring data integrity, which were key learning goals in Module One.

Reflection on the Enhancement Process: Enhancing the WeightTracker project provided valuable insights into advanced database management and application development, contributing to a more robust and reliable software solution. Challenges faced included ensuring foreign key support in SQLite and managing database upgrades without data loss.

Travlrs Getaway Project

Artifact Description: The Travlrs Getaway project is a travel booking platform that allows users to search for destinations, read and write reviews, and book accommodations. It includes the implementation of Dijkstra's Algorithm to optimize travel routes, created in 2024 as part of my computer science coursework.

Justification for Inclusion in the ePortfolio: This project showcases my skills in algorithms and data structures, particularly through the implementation of Dijkstra's Algorithm, demonstrating my ability to solve complex problems and apply theoretical concepts to practical applications.

Specific Components Showcasing Skills and Abilities:

• Dijkstra's Algorithm Implementation: Demonstrates my understanding of graph theory and my ability to implement efficient algorithms to solve real-world problems.
• Data Structures: The project utilizes various data structures, such as priority queues and adjacency lists, to optimize the performance of the algorithm.
• User Interface Design: Features a user-friendly interface, demonstrating my ability to design intuitive and accessible software.
• Integration and Testing: The seamless integration of multiple features and thorough testing highlight my attention to detail and commitment to high-quality software development.

Improvements Made to the Artifact: The project was improved through implementing Dijkstra's Algorithm, enhancing the user interface for better user experience, and incorporating feedback to add new features and fix bugs.

Reflection on the Enhancement Process: Working on the Travlrs Getaway project taught me how to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, optimize performance for larger datasets, and design an intuitive user interface, enhancing my problem-solving skills and adaptability.

3D Project

Artifact Description: This artifact is a 3D project developed in 2023 using C++ and OpenGL. It features several objects: a desk, a laptop on the desk, a pen in front of the laptop, and a teacup with a saucer positioned to the right of the laptop.

Justification for Inclusion: This project is included in the ePortfolio to showcase my skills in 3D graphics programming using C++ and OpenGL. It demonstrates my ability to set up an OpenGL environment, handle user input, and render complex 3D objects interactively, highlighting my proficiency in essential software development skills.

Specific Components Showcasing Skills and Abilities in Software Development:

• OpenGL Setup: The project involves configuring an OpenGL environment, including initializing graphics settings and managing the rendering context.
• Handling Input: The code handles user inputs to control animations, such as opening the laptop with 'L', rolling the pen with 'K', and wobbling the teacup with 'J'.
• Rendering Graphics: Utilizes C++ and OpenGL for rendering the 3D models and animations, demonstrating skills in graphics programming and real-time rendering.

Improvement of the Artifact: The project was enhanced by integrating interactive animations within the OpenGL environment, which required refining the OpenGL rendering code and input handling to ensure smooth and responsive animations.

Reflection on Enhancing and Modifying the Artifact: Enhancing the project provided hands-on experience with OpenGL for rendering graphics and managing animations. The challenges included ensuring smooth animation transitions and debugging issues with OpenGL context and input synchronization.