Setup: Development Environment
Overview
This setup activity will prepare you with the development tools, extensions, and services necessary to complete the assigned activities and projects in the course.
All of these tools and services are free to use for the duration of the course. You do NOT need to purchase any software or services nor provide a credit card to complete this course.
Instructions
Integrated Development Environment
This course will uses Visual Studio Code versus Visual Studio "Full". The full version Visual Studio IDE is a full-featured development tool for Windows that is used by many professional developers. However, it is a large download and more restrictive platform given its power. Visual Studio Code is a lightweight IDE that is easy to use and has a large community of developers that have created extensions to add functionality to the IDE. It is also cross-platform, meaning that it can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
- Visual Studio Code
– Verify that you have an up-to-date, working instance of VS Code running and install or
update as needed.
- To check for updates in VS Code, click on
Help -> Check for Updates...
Reference: 📑 VS Code Documentation.
- To check for updates in VS Code, click on
- Add the C# extension to VS Code.
- Add the C# Dev Kit extension to VS Code.
"C# Dev Kit is an extension created to enhance your C# development experience in Visual Studio Code. It aims to bring a more expansive, productive, and reliable C# experience to VS Code. The Dev Kit does not replace the existing C# extension but adds on top of the great language service features it provides. Developers can choose to continue using the updated version of the existing C# extension or enhance their experience by adding the C# Dev Kit." – code.visualstudio.com/docsNote that you may need to restart VS Code in order for the C# Dev Kit extension to be recognized.
Git
- Verify that you have Git installed by opening a terminal (Mac) or CMD prompt/PowerShell
(Windows) and typing
git --version. If you get an error, you need to install or update Git.
Project Hosting: GitHub
- Projects in this class will be hosted on GitHub.
- Each project must have a GitHub repository associated with it.
Your repositories must remain public throughout the course for assignment submissions and peer reviews. Make sure all projects are updated to GitHub before assignment due dates.
- Verify that git is configured on your computer. To do this:
- Open VS Code and access the terminal (
Terminal → New Terminal) - Verify your configuration:
git config --global --list - If needed, set your Git identity (use your GitHub email):
git config --global user.name "Your Full Name" git config --global user.email "your-github-email@example.com"
- Open VS Code and access the terminal (
- Install the GitHub Pull Requests extension for VS Code:
- GitHub Pull Requests and Issues - Enables GitHub integration
Best Practices for Course Work:
- Commit changes frequently with descriptive messages
- Create separate folders for different projects
- Use branches for experimental features:
git checkout -b feature-name - Keep your repository organized and include README files explaining each project
- Never commit sensitive information (passwords, API keys, etc.)
Trello – Project Management
- Sign up for a free Trello account at trello.com.
- For additional information and instruction, visit Trello - Project Management Tool
Server Environment / Manager
- .NET - Verify and install/update the latest Long Term Support version of .NET. This is the version that can be used in the online, Microsoft tutorials. Follow the instructions for your operating system.