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Green Salamander CS
Computer Science

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Project Idea: Blockchain-based Voting System

A Blockchain-based voting system ensures secure & transparent voting, reduces the risk of voter fraud & improves democratic voting processes via the use of blockchain technology. For this project, you would need to know Ethereum, React, Node.js, Express.js & MongoDB, as well as Solidity & JavaScript.

Frameworks

  • Ethereum is used to build smart contracts using Solidity & decentralized applications. This framework is geared towards transparency & security. It is extremely popular.
  • React, Node & Express are used for developing client & server-side interactive web applications which can be updated in real time from user-input.
  • MongoDB is used for storing unstructured data as it is not a relational database model. This database management system is a NoSQL (not only SQL) system which is often used in web apps requiring scalability & flexibility. 

Algorithms

You will need to know four algorithms to create this application.

  • The Proof of Work algorithm uses a majority-agreement consensus algorithm solving a complex mathematical problem, hoarding computational resources. Ethereum uses this algorithm. All nodes in the blockchain must agree in order for the new node to be added to the blockchain. All it takes is one disagreement for the new data to be rejected.
  • The Proof of Stake algorithm gives the individual nodes in the blockchain autonomy to decide their own criteria for accepting nodes into the blockchain. Ethereum uses this algorithm. This differs from the Proof of Work algorithm as not all nodes must agree on the decision to accept or reject a node. However, favoritism can self-perpetuate, driving the blockchain to a more centralized stance.
  • The Zero-Knowledge Proofs algorithm ensures privacy & confidentiality in a transaction by allowing parties to prove a transaction's validity without revealing additional information. This algorithm is used in various payment processing systems which rely on blockchain.
  • The Ring Signature algorithm ensures anonymity by allowing a user to sign a message with a group of other users without revealing which user signed it.

Resources

If this project piques your interest, you can consult the following resources to get started. If you get stuck, you can use ChatGPT to help you devise new ideas to solve programming issues which may happen along the way.

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Project Idea: Malware Detection System

Ever wanted to know the basics of building a program that can detect malware?

Ever intrigued by how malware detection applications like Malwarebytes & McAfee work?

Well, in this post, we will explain the purpose of a malware detection system, introduce 3 frameworks for you to build your own prototype malware detection system & the reason for the frameworks.

Purpose

Malware detection systems improve cybersecurity & protect against cyber attacks.

Frameworks & Algorithms

Frameworks

  • React: This framework is used for building the client-side user interface. This is what is shown to the user.
  • Express.js & Node.js: This framework is used for building the logic for the server-side.
  • MongoDB: This framework is used for database management & data storage. In this database, we will need to store the result of the malware scans, metadata & signatures of the software. That way, we can easily distinguish which software is malware & which ones are not. A database management system is used to improve the effectiveness of the program.

Algorithms

  • Signature-based Detection: Using MongoDB, you can scan the signature of the program in question against the entire database. Flag known codes as malware. The efficacy of this algorithm will depend on how sophisticated the malware in question, is.
  • Heuristic Detection: Using React, Node.js & Express.js, you can look for patterns & behaviors in a file which indicate whether or not it is malware. Key malware tell-tale signs include whether it attempts to hide itself or modify system files. This is slightly more accurate than the signature-based algorithm, however, it can flag non-malware software as malware.
  • Behavioral Detection: Using React, Node.js, Express.js & MongoDB, network traffic & system resources are monitored to detect whether a certain software is malware or not.

It is advisable to use a combination of at least one or more of the above three algorithms to build the most effective malware detection system.

You may use resources like ChatGPT to learn these frameworks more quickly.

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Beginner Java Project Idea: Random Number Guessing Generator

For this project, we will be creating a program which generates a random number between 1 & 100 & prompts the user to guess the number.

Steps

  1. Use the Random class to generate a random integer between 1 & 100.
  2. Use the Scanner class to prompt the user to guess the number.
  3. Create a loop to continue prompting the user for guesses until they correctly guess the number.
  4. For each guess, the program should tell the user whether the guess was too high or too low.
  5. Once the user has correctly guessed the number, output a message indicating how many guesses it took for the user to get it correct.

Motivation

By completing this project, you will learn conditional statements, loops, working with Java libraries, problem solving, designing algorithms & creating command-line programs. In the real world, generating random numbers & analyzing user input is useful across a realm of fields, including, but not limited to: games, simulations & statistical analysis.

Resources

You can use these resources & ChatGPT to get started. Additionally, if you have any questions or any issues arise, you may book a 1:1 chat or call on the main page or post a question to the forum with the issue you are experiencing.

  1. Java Tutorials: Getting Started
  2. Java API Documentation
  3. How to Use Random Class in Java
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Five Fun Computer Science Project Ideas (Part 1)

Here are a list of five fun computer science projects you can try that will add experience under your belt:

Blockchain-based Supply Chain Management System

In this project, the developer will use blockchain technology to improve supply chain management, reduce fraud & increase transparency in an attempt to streamline & the improve the efficiency of supply chain processes.

IoT Traffic Management System

In this project, the developer will develop an IoT-based system aimed at optimizing traffic flow & reduce congestion to improve efficiency & reduce emissions.

Customer Service Chatbot

In this project, the developer will create a chatbot which uses GPT technology to answer customer questions in the context of the product or service the customer is inquiring about. The goal of the chatbot is to reduce workload on customer service representatives while improving customer satisfaction.

Weather Prediction System

In this project, the developer will use quantum computing to build a prediction model for forecasting weather patterns & events. Meteorologists will then use this system to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting & devise better gameplans in advance of natural disasters in order to mitigate their impact on the population.

Password Manager

Using cryptography concepts, the developer will use advanced encryption techniques aimed at protecting user data from malicious agents. This project is aimed at improving password security while making it more difficult for bad actors to breach networks & compromise customer data.

Conclusion

If any of the above project ideas intrigued you, feel free to research more about them, including different technologies & frameworks you would need to learn in order to carry out said projects. You can also use ChatGPT to learn the frameworks quicker.

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Project Idea: Optimization Algorithm

The optimization algorithm uses quantum computing to solve complex projects in an attempt to advance research into quantum computing & improve problem-solving capabilities. Algorithms, such as Grover's algorithm, quantum annealing & variational quantum eigensolver are used to achieve this task.

Frameworks

  • Java
  • Qiskit: For building quantum computing applications

Algorithms

You will need three algorithms as follows:

  • Grover's Algorithm is used to search unsorted databases to find the most optimal solution to a problem in O(sqrt(N)) time. It takes the square root of the time to search for an optimal solution with this algorithm compared to other classical search algorithms. This algorithm is simple to understand & can be transmuted into a more complex algorithm with experience. It addresses the performance limitations of classical computers by square rooting the steps it takes to find a solution.
  • Quantum Annealing solves problems by finding the lowest energy state of a quantum system. This algorithm is highly useful in solving advanced problems such as the traveling salesman problem, which traditional computers tend to have difficulty solving efficiently.
  • Variational Quantum Eisenglover is used to find the ground state energy of a quantum system to solve problems in chemistry & materials science. This algorithm can be used to find the electronic structure of molecules.

Difficulty

This project is very difficult & requires advanced expertise in quantum programming. Expertise with Java, Qiskit, quantum mechanics, computer science, math & physics are required.

I have provided some links for you to get started developing your own optimization algorithm if this project intrigues you.

Resources

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Beginner Java Project Idea: Output a String in Reverse

For this project, we will create a Java program which can output a user input string in reverse.

Steps

  1. Create a Java project in your integrated development environment of choice.
  2. Create a StringReverser class with a method that takes in a String and returns the reversed String.
  3. In the main method of your StringReverser class, use the Scanner class to prompt the user to input a String.
  4. Call the method you defined in step 2 with the input String as an argument and output the result to the console.

Motivation

By completing this project, you will learn the following concepts:

  • Working with Java libraries
  • Creating an interface using the command-line
  • Implementing methods & functions
  • Problem-solving
  • Algorithm design

You will learn how to process text & analyze data by completing this project, which are relevant skills which are applicable to multiple real-world scenarios.

Resources

You may consult the resources below along with ChatGPT for more help:

  1. Java Tutorials: Getting Started
  2. Java API Documentation
  3. How to Reverse a String in Java
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