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 Dr. Brown 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.
```{note}
Seeing the BrightSpace site requires logging in with your URI SSO and being enrolled
in the course
```
On BrightSpace, you will find links to essential resources for the first day of class, including this site. Any links that are for private discussion among those enrolled in the course will be available only from Brightspace, not this site.
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.
Prismia is **only** for use during class, we do not read messages there outside of class time
You can get a transcript from class from Prismia.chat using the menu in the top right.
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.
There is no text book for the course. Reading the notes posted on the website and any freely available external readings linked in prepare for class is required. Supplemental texts and videos will be linked in the notes to provide greater details or alternative explanations.
You will need a GitHub Account. If you do not already have one, please create one before the first class session. If you have one, but have not used it recently, you may need to update your password and login credentials as the Authentication rules change often and now require 2 factor.
(programming-env)=
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, however if you have alternative environments they will mostly work. We will add tools throughout the semester, but the following will be enough to get started.
This is not technically a *programming* class, so you will not need to know how
to write code from scratch in specific languages, but we will rely on programming
environments to apply concepts.
- Python with scientific computing packages (numpy, scipy, jupyter, pandas, seaborn, sklearn)
- a C compiler
- Git
- A
bashshell - A web browser compatible with Jupyter Notebooks
- nano text editor (comes with GitBash and default on MacOS)
- one IDE with git support (default or via extension)
- the GitHub CLI or other authentication for GitHub
```{tab-item} Windows (work with it)
- Install python via [Anaconda](https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual) [video install ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxQ0mzZ8UvA)
- Git and Bash with [GitBash](https://gitforwindows.org/) ([video instructions](https://youtu.be/339AEqk9c-8)).
```
```{tab-item} Windows (get linux)
- Create a [bootable usb stick with Linux](https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows#1-overview)
- **or** use [windows subsystem for linux](https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/install-ubuntu-on-wsl2-on-windows-11-with-gui-support#1-overview)
and then follow linux instructions
```
```{tab-item} MacOS
- Install python via [Anaconda](https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual) [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcSAln46u9U)
- install Git with the Xcode Command Line Tools. On Mavericks (10.9) or above you can do this by trying to run git from the Terminal the very first time: `git --version`
On Mac, to install python via environment, [this article may be helpful](https://opensource.com/article/19/5/python-3-default-mac)
```
```{tab-item} Linux
- Install python via [Anaconda](https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual)
- git and bash should be available by default, but check for git with `git --version`
If you prefer a different shell, I still recommend using bash for in class, so please have it available.
```
```{tab-item} Chrome OS
1. Find Linux (Beta) in your settings and turn that on.
2. 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.
1. Install tmux with:
```
sudo apt -t stretch-backports install tmux
```
2. 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.
```
3. Next install Anaconda’s Python from the website provided by the instructor and use the
top download link under the Linux options.
1. You will then see a .sh file in your downloads, move this into your Linux files.
2. Make sure you are in your home directory (something like home/YOURUSERNAME),
do this by using the `pwd` command.
1. Use the `bash` command followed by the file name of the installer you just downloaded to
start the installation.
1. 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.
1. 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.
1. Next, use the `jupyter notebook –generate-config` command to generate a Jupyter
Notebook.
1. Then type `jupyter lab` and a Jupyter Notebook should open up.
```
(backup & 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 the GitHub Organization page.
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.