Tools and Resources - CSC311 - Computer Systems and Programming Tools

We will use a variety of tools to conduct class and to facilitate your programming. You will need a computer with Linux, MacOS, or Windows. It is unlikely that a tablet will be able to do all of the things required in this course. A Chromebook may work, especially with developer tools turned on. Ask Ayman if you need help getting access to an adequate computer.

All of the tools and resources below are either:

paid for by URI OR
freely available online.

BrightSpace¶

On BrightSpace, you will find links to other resource, this site and others. Any links that are for private discussion among those enrolled in the course will be available only from Brightspace.

Prismia chat¶

Our class link for Prismia chat is available on Brightspace. Once you’ve joined once, you can use the link above or type the url: prismia.chat. We will use this for chatting and in-class understanding checks.

On Prismia, all students see the instructor’s messages, but only the Instructor and TA see student responses.

You can get a transcript from class from Prismia.chat using the menu in the top right.

Course Website¶

The course website will have content including the class policies, scheduling, class notes, assignment information, and additional resources.

Links to the course reference text and code documentation will also be included here in the assignments and class notes.

GitHub¶

You will need a GitHub Account. If you do not already have one, please create one by the first day of class. If you have one, but have not used it recently, you may need to update your password and login credentials as the Authentication rules changed in Summer 2021.

You will also need the gh CLI. It will help with authentication and allow you to work with other parts of GitHub besides the core git operations.

Programming Environment¶

In this course, we will use several programming environments. In order to participate in class and complete assignments you need the items listed in the requirements list. The easiest way to meet these requirements is to follow the recommendations below. I will provide instruction assuming that you have followed the recommendations. We will add tools throughout the semester, but the following will be enough to get started.

Requirements:¶

Python with scientific computing packages (numpy, scipy, jupyter, pandas, seaborn, sklearn)
a C compiler
Git
access to a bash shell
A high compatibility web browser (Safari will sometimes fail; Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge will; Firefox probably will)
nano text editor (comes with GitBash and default on MacOS)
one IDE with git support (default or via extension)
the GitHub CLI on all OSs

Recommendation¶

Windows- option A

Windows - option B

MacOS

Linux

Chrome OS

If you will not do any side projects, install python via Anaconda video install
Otherwise, use the base python installer and then install libraries with pip
Git and Bash with GitBash (video instructions).

needs update

Find Linux (Beta) in your settings and turn that on.
Once the download finishes a Linux terminal will open, then enter the commands: sudo apt-get update and sudo apt-get upgrade. These commands will ensure you are up to date.

Install tmux with:

sudo apt -t stretch-backports install tmux

Next you will install nodejs, to do this, use the following commands:

curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_14.x | sudo -E bash
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs
sudo apt-get install -y build-essential.

Next install Anaconda’s Python from the website provided by the instructor and use the top download link under the Linux options.
You will then see a .sh file in your downloads, move this into your Linux files.
Make sure you are in your home directory (something like home/YOURUSERNAME), do this by using the pwd command.
Use the bash command followed by the file name of the installer you just downloaded to start the installation.
Next you will add Anaconda to your Linux PATH, do this by using the vim .bashrc command to enter the .bashrc file, then add the export PATH=/home/YOURUSERNAME/anaconda3/bin/:$PATH line. This can be placed at the end of the file.
Once that is inserted you may close and save the file, to do this hold escape and type :x, then press enter. After doing that you will be returned to the terminal where you will then type the source .bashrc command.
Next, use the jupyter notebook –generate-config command to generate a Jupyter Notebook.
Then type jupyter lab and a Jupyter Notebook should open up.

Zoom¶

(backup only & office hours only)

This is where we will meet if for any reason we cannot be in person. You will find the link to class zoom sessions on Brightspace.

URI provides all faculty, staff, and students with a paid Zoom account. It can run in your browser or on a mobile device, but you will be able to participate in office hours and any online class sessions if needed best if you download the Zoom client on your computer. Please log in and configure your account. Please add a photo (can be yourself or something you like) to your account so that we can still see your likeness in some form when your camera is off. You may also wish to use a virtual background and you are welcome to do so.

For help, you can access the instructions provided by IT.