Smallberg is the legend. Projects can be time consuming, but the specification and grading system is very transparent. Some may say that Smallberg's lectures are dry but the truth is that the man is a walking ISO/C++ dictionary and is happy about any question during lectures.

I came into this class with minimal experience in CS (I had only taken AP CS Principles in high school), and I was able to get through the projects and midterm and do fairly well. Smallberg was a great professor--he was considerate, helpful, and very knowledgeable. However, his lectures are quite a snoozefest. I found it really hard to pay attention and always zoned out because lectures were so boring. So I ended up not retaining everything that was taught in class and had to reteach myself later. But that's all my fault, so as long as you pay attention in class, you're set! I found the projects appropriate to things taught in class and a good way to practice/develop C++ knowledge. However, since most of the people coming into this class have prior CS experience, they are crazy smart and the averages for the project and midterm are crazy high :/ If you are not a CS major, I would not recommend that you take this class fall quarter! Also, the midterm was reasonable and easier than the projects. Other than that lectures are boring, I would definitely recommend this class! On a side note, Smallberg can be very sassy and clever which is very funny to see/experience.

It's Smallberg. We all know what he's like, and he sure is getting a little old and cranky. Let him enjoy his moment when he needs it... But otherwise, the class is still what it was always like. The good-old CS31. :)

Smallberg is an awesome professor for introductory CS courses. He has the material down very clearly, explains concepts incredibly well, and has a very organized thought process! He clearly knows his stuff and is helpful to anyone who asks.

Smallberg is a legend. He gives you all the information that you could possibly need, so go to lecture even though he bruincasts.

Projects aren't horrible but they take a hell of a lot of work, so start early and double check everything (!!!). Tests are tough too but you have everything you need to be able to do well.

100% recommend Smallberg, what a guy.

Smallberg is a human compiler. He might be a little slow at the start especially if you have previous coding experience, so really start paying attention around pointers (week 6 ish). Nobody on the planet is better for making you understand fundamental CS material. Although his lectures might be slightly dry, he's the absolute GOAT and someone you'll definitely appreciate for improving your understanding of coding. Also be careful as fuck with the projects as even a typo could anal your grade.

Smallberg is a GREAT Professor. I came into this class with little knowledge about C++ or any computer programming and he really takes you through everything, at a good pace, while making sure to give examples for ever scenario that could possibly happen, or ever error he sees people make. If you’re taking CS31, and you’re not comfortable with the material already, Smallberg is the best professor you could ask for.

smallberg is my boy. dont listen to the review below me, he must be dumb.

Professor Smallberg is an excellent professor! He answered student questions in class during the breaks and in office hours. His specs can be unclear, but TAs will usually help clear it up.

Throughout the quarter I was kind of disappointed with the professor because in his emails and homework assignments he liked to use very disrespectful tones, calling students stupid etc. So I was extremely surprised to find out I got an A even from all the below-average project scores.
I was completely new to programming at the beginning and I am not an engineering student. Smallberg warned that students like me should drop the class and waste our money on CS30 because it would be extremely hard to pass. Well, now I have to disagree on that, and I am just a below-average linguistics person and received little help from discussion sections and had no study groups.
What I'm saying is that don't get intimidated by the comments. If you work hard you'll do great.