CMSC 223: Systems Programming

Welcome to CS223: Systems Programming!

Systems programming is the foundation of all software and toolkits that serve as infrastructure for other software, such as compilers, operating systems, networking APIs, and graphics engines. Systems programming directly interacts with machine characteristics and low-level data types. Class topics include pointers, bit representations of data, x86_64 assembly, memory management, processes, and threads. In this class, students will gain hands-on experience implementing low-level algorithms and data structures using C. Additionally, students will build technical skills related to makefiles, interactive debugging, version control, and command-line shell interaction. Modern improvements and an introduction to the Rust programming language will be covered at the end of the course.

The syllabus may change during the semester. Please check here every week for updates on lecture content, worksheets, and assignments.

All graded work will receive a grade, 4.0, 3.7, 3.3, 3.0, 2.7, 2.3, 2.0, 1.7, 1.3, 1.0, or 0.0. At the end of the semester, final grades will be calculated as a weighted average of all grades according to the following weights:

At Bryn Mawr, we assume students are trustworthy and work with honesty and integrity. Look here for information about Bryn Mawr’s Honor Code..

Midterms and the final will be closed book.

Lab coding challenges will be open-book and closed-internet. Thus, you cannot use VS Code, internet browsers, and other programming aids. However, you can use the text book, Dive into Systems, the Linux Programming Manual (available with man), and your class notes. These challenges will be completed in pairs.

Code for homework assignments must be written by you. In addition to the code itself, each assignment will require the submission of a README file explaining how the code works, why it was written that way, and, if applicable, what parts are not working and your reasoning behind those issues. Cheating is taken very seriously, and the use of AI tools is considered cheating.

You can ask questions in class, in office hours, and on slack. We are here to help.

To receive an accommodation for a course activity (such as more time on quizzes and exams), you must have an Accommodation Letter from Access Services and you need to contact us to work out the details of your accommodation at least two weeks prior to the activity. Forms can be emailed to me, the instructor.

You are also welcome to contact us privately to discuss your academic needs. However, all accommodations must be arranged, in advance, through Access Services. Also note that accommodations are not retroactive and require advance notice to implement. More information can be obtained at the Access Services website. (http://www.brynmawr.edu/access-services/)

If you are sick, please wear a mask or stay at home and let me know so that we can reschedule your missed work.

I am on immmunosuppressing medications, so I can get sick very easily, and I get very ill when I am sick. I am kindly asking you to follow this policy.

Bryn Mawr/Haverford College is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive living and learning environment where all can feel secure and free from harassment. All forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence are violations of Bryn Mawr/Haverford’s policies, whether they occur on or off campus. Bryn Mawr/Haverford faculty are committed to helping to create a safe learning environment for all students and for the College community as a whole. If you have experienced any form of gender or sex-based discrimination, harassment, or violence, know that help and support are available. Staff members are trained to support students in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, and more.

The College strongly encourages all students to report any incidents of sexual misconduct. Please be aware that all Bryn Mawr/Haverford employees (other than those designated as confidential resources such as counselors, clergy, and healthcare providers) are required to report information about such discrimination and harassment to the Bi-College Title IX Coordinator.

Information about the College’s Sexual Misconduct policy, reporting options, and a list of campus and local resources can be found on the College’s website:

Bryn Mawr Sexual Misconduct Policy

Haverford Sexual Misconduct Policy