CSCI 136 :: Spring 2021

Data Structures & Advanced Programming

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Computer Setup

This document will walk through all of the steps needed to install the Atom editor, Java Development Kit, and Git version control system.

Note that we have biased our instructions for Unix-like operating systems. Linux and MacOS are two examples of Unix-like operating systems, the type we use in our courses. These instructions often use MacOS as an example. If you have a different operating system, like Windows, that is OK! The steps are just slightly different, so read carefully.

Step 1: Install a Text Editor

This is very straightforward. Just download and install Atom on your personal computing device. Also install the teletype package. Teletype will let us “pair program”.

Step 2: Install Git

Installing Git can be straightforward, but there are a few steps to configure it to work exactly the way you want. To install git, follow the directions in the link above for your operating system.

Note for Windows users: Among the many dialog boxes you will click through during this installation, you should accept the default suggested for all but one. That one is the git editor suggestion. Do not accept vim (it is likely not installed on your machine and it is a rather painful editor to use); instead choose Atom.

Step 3: Install Java

There are many ways to install Java, even within the same operating system (Apple’s OSX, Microsoft Windows, Linux, etc.). We reccommend this one.

Note for Windows users: After you have installed java, you should check that the operating system can find it. To do so, open the Git Bash app that should have been installed as part of your git installation above. You can do this by typing bash into the search text box next to the Windows Start icon. Then type javac --version. This should give you some information about the version of java you have installed.

If typing javac --version gives you an error message, you will need to edit one of what the operating system calls the system environment variables. The one you want to edit is called the Path variable. To do this, type env in the search text box beside the Start icon and select Edit the system environment variables. A dialog box appears. In the Advanced tab, select Environment Variables.... Another dialog box appears. Under System variables select the line that says Path then select Edit.... A dialog box appears. It will contain a text area with a list of directories. Double-click in the text area below the last item in the list. Here you will enter the location in which the java commands have been stored. It will have the form:

        C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-VERSION
    

where VERSION is the version number of your java installation. For example, it might be

        C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-15.0.2
    

To find the version number, type javac --version in your terminal window.

That's it!