nice guy but read the textbook. midterms were straightforward and similar to the practice ones he provided

Overall good experience with this professor. Make sure you read the textbook because there are reading quizzes due before each class (very straightforward and quick if you read the assigned chapter). Two midterms that are pretty similar to the practice ones and the final felt easier than the midterms (grading scheme allows you to drop 1 midterm).

This class seems to have undergone some changes from the F22 offering, but is not quite as bad as the other reviewer from this quarter makes it out to be.

First of all, the grading scheme seems to have been altered to make the class significantly more challenging. Instead of 65% exams, we had 80% exams (20% for each of two midterms and 40% final, or 25% better midterm + 55% final). No cheatsheets are allowed, so you have to diligently memorize every detail in addition to understanding the concepts. The midterms were pretty reasonable if you studied, but the final exam was difficult. My biggest gripe with Arant was that he lied that there would be a curve. When we got our midterm grades, we were shown curved grade cutoffs for exam scores, and he also said that he would curve the final exam according to standard deviation. However, he ended up not curving any of the exams at all. I still think getting an A in this course is doable though -- you just can't rely on the curve to save you. If you truly use all the resources Arant provides at your disposal, such as studying the lecture notes well, memorizing all the important details, redoing homework problems, and doing the additional suggested practice problems, you should have no trouble getting an A.

As for other changes to the course, quizzes are once per week instead of before each class. They are pretty easy and only 10% of the grade. The lowest quiz is dropped. Also, contrary to previous reviews discussing the time-consuming nature of the homeworks, the homeworks this quarter were relatively quick. Each homework took me on average 2-3 hours at a relaxed pace, which is saying a lot since I'm a pretty slow worker.

Aside from that, the previous reviews are correct that Arant is a very organized professor who is willing to help students succeed. Just know that it is up to you to fully leverage the resources Arant provides.