I took PIC10A during Spring 2010. I don't know why people say don't go to lecture, his style is very different but I went to almost every lecture and learned valuable information at each one. The book for the class is not very helpful. I also got an A and have never programmed in my life before. If you do bad on the exams it is probably because you did not go to lecture. The discussions are only alright, it depends on whether the TA is helpful. I would highly recommend Prof Ifti. I read over the other professor's slides to review concepts and I think Prof Ifti's way of presenting the material is helpful to understand computers and programming in general. He also incorporates tech facts at the start of lecture and has students write a blog which I thought was a good addition to the class. He replies to emails very fast as well. Overall good class. Not as hard as CS31 because you aren't required to make programs fool proof, but it teaches you similar stuff.