To pass Programming 1 and 2 subjects, you need to have access to an environment to program and model in. This page covers the programming side of the software stack.
Option 1: Linux + Geany
This is the recommended setup to gain maximum out of your experience with the courses. In this option, you will use Linux on your own machine to solve all of the labs.
The easy and safe option is to virtualize Linux in a hypervisor (program for running virtual computers). Those are more comfortable with their computers and want a better experience can venture into dual boot and even running only Linux on their machines natively. You will install all the required software into your Linux installation.
Note: even though the guide is for Windows, you can also use the same software on a Mac
- Guide: How to run Linux on your own computer
- Guide: How to install Geany and a compiler
- Guide: How to configure and use Geany.
Option 2: Remote access using RDP
For those of you who do not feel comfortable on the first day to install the software on your computer, you can also access the lab computers using remote access. For this you need to use a VPN first and once you are the university intranet, you can use RDP protocol to access classroom computers running either Windows or Linux
Guide: Remote access using RDP
Option 3: MS Windows + Geany
For those who do not wish to run Linux, it is possible to go through the courses using Windows. This will however be somewhat painful of an experience.
Warning: Not all tools used in the courses will be available in Windows. Many lab guides are written with Linux in mind, so completing them will require extra effort. Some labs may not be possible to complete.
Option 4: WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
WSL is a more seamless way of running Linux in Windows intended for developers who wish, or are required to use Windows by corporate IT, but need Linux tooling. Technically this is just running a Linux Virtual Machine through HyperV (similar to Option 1). This means that all labs will work similarly to how they would in native Linux.
A word of warning: Due to how WSL is integrated to Windows, it may cause additional confusion in people less comfortable using their computer!
When using WSL, follow the guides in Option 1 for Linux software installation.
Option 5: Pick your own software
There are hundreds of compatible text and code editors available, as well as multiple supported compilers and modeling tools. You are free to choose which software you run on your own computer. Support for self-picked software is not provided. You will need to configure them on your own and be aware of all the quirks that they may have. Not knowing how the tools that you picked out is not an excuse.
Some ideas for alternatives: https://blue.pri.ee/ttu/resources/links/