“From coding basics to hosting personal projects and algorithm competitions”

Studying from the basics such as Python and C to advanced courses such as data analysis and algorithm test preparation
Plans to host boot camps and large-scale algorithm competitions in cooperation with the department's student council

[Editor's Note] This magazine covers university clubs related to IT and aims to cover the activities of students and the unique characteristics of the clubs. Through relay interviews, we aim to shed light on the unique characteristics of the clubs, as well as their activities and purposes. Dongguk University CAPS, the subject of this article, has organized activities that allow students to easily approach coding and later move on to individual projects and coding tests. Our magazine asked CAPS club president Sangjun Heo of the Department of Computer Engineering and member Yunji Kim of the Department of Information and Communication Engineering about CAPS' activities and goals.

▲(From left) Dongguk University CAPS member Kim Yun-ji and president Heo Sang-jun

■ CAPS Club Introduction

CAPS stands for Computer Aided Progressive Study, which means ‘progressive research using computers.’

CAPS was founded in 1988 and is now in its 37th year.

This club was created for people who are new to coding or want to learn more about coding, and aims to make coding easier to approach.

Ultimately, we are continuing our activities to prepare for personal projects, coding tests, etc.

■ CAPS Club’s unique advantages

CAPS has many fun activities that set it apart from other clubs.

We are engaged in various activities such as CapsWiki, CapsCode, Caps homepage, various study groups, and social events such as Capture and algorithm competitions.

The club members always actively participated, so we were able to spend a meaningful semester just with CAPS activities.

CThe biggest advantage of APS is that people with similar interests can gather together and share relevant information with each other.

When we think of coding, we often think of quiet, solitary activities, but CAPS has a culture of active communication and mutual help.

Thanks to this, I was able to naturally learn how to share study methods and materials.

Last semester, we recruited students for a web-based study group and conducted the study for one semester.

We conducted a total of 6 studies and simple scrums, submitted assignments every week, and learned web development languages together.

After the study was over, all members received a refund of their study fees, and they continued to grow as developers by sharing information about external activities and clubs that helped each other with front-end development.

■ What are CAPS’s activities in the first and second semesters and periodic activities?

In the first semester, we first conduct seminar activities for new members.

The new member seminar is an activity where new members freely choose a topic based on their personal interests and give a presentation.

After that, we proceed with the various studies mentioned above.

The study topics range from easy topics like Python and C to topics for advanced students like Docker, data analysis, and algorithm test preparation.

In keeping with the characteristics of a university club, they also hold a social event called Capture.

In addition, there are self-created algorithm competitions, lectures by alumni where they can hear stories from their seniors, and CAPS Night events where all CAPS students gather.

▲CAPS Alumni Invitation Lecture (Photo courtesy of CAPS)

In the second semester, the main projects of the first semester are repeated as new students are recruited once again.

The difference is that there is an additional event called CAPS Tone, where groups work together to carry out projects based on what they learned in the first semester.

We also plan to host boot camps, large-scale algorithm competitions, etc. in cooperation with student councils of each department.

There are also activities that are ongoing.

The CAPS website is currently in operation.

This website has been in continuous operation since the club was founded.

For each term, a website management department is selected from the executive branch to maintain, repair, and develop the website.

We are adding to the homepage the functions that update information on various contests and employment, the function to port to mobile, and other functions that we would like to have through meetings with club members.

■ Memorable club activities at CAPS

The CAPS night activity is the most memorable.

As it was held for the first time in three years after the hiatus due to the Corona pandemic, the first-year seniors also attended and had a valuable time receiving useful advice from the graduating seniors, and in particular, they were able to think deeply about their career path.all.

Additionally, I was able to hear the languages used in the workplace directly, which was a great help in planning my future studies.

I also remember being motivated by sharing my concerns with fellow club members.

I also think that algorithm competitions are meaningful events.

The algorithm competition is held by the CAPS Executive Committee, where the Academic Affairs Department and the Website Management Department create and present algorithm problems.

Participants can solve algorithmic problems in their preferred language and then study them by looking at the provided explanations.

■ If there is something you want to achieve at CAPS

Heo Sang-jun: CAPS started out as a small club for students from the same department to study together, but has now become a central club with students from various departments, including the humanities and sciences.

We are currently trying out various changes and would like to complete these projects successfully.

Personally, I am interested in the field of machine learning utilizing big data, so I would like to work on a related project with like-minded friends before graduation and submit a paper.

Kim Yun-ji: I would like to participate in a project at CAPS. If it's a club like CAPS where there's a sense of intimacy and sharing among members, I think we'll be able to complete the project well.

■ A word to the club members

We sincerely welcome those of you who have passed the fierce competition to join CAPS.

I hope you will be active and achieve your goals.

Let's create fun times together!