Project :: CS 3715

Objective

The object of this class is to study the technologies and principles of network computing using Web applications. The goal of the CS 3715 Project is to create a Web application that uses the full range of techniques discussed in class. A successful project will include a client-side interface (XHTML, CSS, JavaScript), server-side processing (Java Servlets, XML data storage), and client-server communication (HTTP, AJAX).

Project Groups

The project must be done with a group of 3 to 4 people. You are to self-select your groups. One representative from each group must email me the names and email addresses of each member of your group by September 26, 2007. If you are unable to find a group to join, you must inform me prior to September 26 so that I can assign you to a group. Note that the expectations for a project from a larger group will be greater than that from smaller groups.

Project Proposal

Prior to beginning the project work, each group must submit a project proposal in hard copy at the beginning of class on October 12, 2007. The project proposal must include the following items:

project title
names of group members
description of project objectives
list of functional requirements

Some possible projects include:

Home improvements construction calculator: amount of paint, number of shingles, pieces of siding, etc.
Deck planner
House plan layout
Note taker
Blog editor
Simple word processor
Diagramming tool: UML, logic, ER, etc.
Photograph organizer
Puzzles: crosswords, sudoku, etc.
Distributed games: checkers, go, chess, etc.
Physics animator
Algorithm animator
Geometry animator
etc.

The project must use Java and/or a Java framework for the server part of the application. The server portion must include the storage and subsequent retrieval of data in XML format. The client side must use AJAX for some part of the client-server communication. The client side must use CSS, XHTML, and JavaScript. Note that the room arranger presented in the first class is an example of system with all of the necessary components, although some aspects would need improvement for top marks to be granted.

Feedback on the project proposal will be provided, ensuring that each group tackles a project that is sufficiently complex, yet achievable within the timeframe of the class.

Deliverables

The final project submission is due on November 30, 2007. The completed project must include the following items:

A project overview that describes the features of your project (hard copy). Note that this document will be similar to your project proposal, but will focus on what was achieved in the project. This document must include the title of your project and the names of the group members.
A diagram that illustrates the primary communication mechanism between the client and the server, and the source files that are involved (hard copy).
The complete set of source code and data files for the project (electronic format). If special configuration is needed to install the Web application on a different computer, include these instructions with the source code.
A log of the activities of each group member has contributed to the project (hard copy). The log should briefly record the daily project activities. Typical activities include meetings, design documents, software development, documentation, project maintenance, etc. For software development, the name of the files worked on should be recorded.

Project Presentation

A 15 minute demonstration and presentation on the project details must be given by each group in the last week of classes (September 26 or 28). Before November 9, 2007, each group must select a presentation time-slot from the following list:

November 26, 9:00 - 9:15 (Group 3)
November 26, 9:15 - 9:30 (Group 4)
November 26, 9:30 - 9:45 (Group 6)
November 28, 9:00 - 9:15 (Group 1)
November 28, 9:15 - 9:30 (Group 5)
November 28, 9:30 - 9:45 (Group 2)

The presentation should include a brief description of the features of the system, a demonstration of how the system works, and a short overview of the major components in the implementation of the system. Feel free to use PowerPoint (or other electronic documents) in your presentation. It is expected that all group members will contribute to the presentation in some capacity (be sure to include your contribution in your log of activities).

The presentation schedule is very tight. Be sure to arrive at class early to pre-load your files (if necessary), and to practice your presentation to ensure that it does not exceed the alloted 15 minutes.

Late Penalty

The project proposal and final project submissions are due at 9:00 AM on their respective dates. Late submissions will be deducted 20% for each day or portion of day that it is late.

CS 3715: Network Computing with Web Applications

Project