Setup walkthrough

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive walkthrough for setting up your system, as demonstrated in Seamus McCormack's video. Following these steps will help you configure your environment efficiently, whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your setup.

Step 1: Gather Required Tools and Software

Before starting the setup, ensure you have the necessary tools and software:

• Operating System: Confirm that you have a compatible OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• Development Tools: Download and install any required development tools, such as:
  • Code editor (e.g., Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text)
  • Command line interface (e.g., Terminal for macOS/Linux, Command Prompt/PowerShell for Windows)
• Version Control: Install Git to manage your code versions.

Tip: Check the system requirements for each tool to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 2: Install and Configure the Development Environment

Follow these steps to set up your development environment:

1. Download Software:

   • Go to the official websites for each tool (e.g., Visual Studio Code, Git).
   • Download the installer for your operating system.

2. Run the Installer:

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
   • For Git, ensure you select options to add it to your system PATH during installation.

3. Initial Configuration:

   • Open your command line interface.
   • Set up Git with your user information:

     git config --global user.name "Your Name"
     git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"
     

Common Pitfall: Skipping the configuration step can lead to issues with committing code later.

Step 3: Create Your Project Directory

Organizing your project files is crucial for efficient development.

1. Choose a Location:

   • Decide where you want to store your projects (e.g., Documents, Desktop).

2. Create a New Directory:

   • Use your command line interface to navigate to the chosen location:

     cd path/to/your/location
     

   • Create a new directory for your project:

     mkdir my-project
     cd my-project
     

Tip: Naming your project directory descriptively can help you find it later.

Step 4: Initialize Git Repository

To start tracking your project with Git:

1. Initialize the Repository:

   • Run the following command in your project directory:

     git init
     

2. Create a README File:

   • Create a README file to document your project:

     echo "# My Project" >> README.md
     

3. Add and Commit Changes:

   • Stage the README file:

     git add README.md
     

   • Commit the changes:

     git commit -m "Initial commit"
     

Common Pitfall: Forgetting to commit changes can result in lost progress.

Step 5: Set Up a Remote Repository

To back up your project and collaborate with others:

1. Choose a Hosting Service:

   • Select a platform (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket).

2. Create a New Repository:

   • Follow the platform's instructions to create a new repository.

3. Link to the Remote Repository:

   • In your command line, link your local repository to the remote:

     git remote add origin https://github.com/username/my-project.git
     

4. Push Initial Commit:

   • Push your changes to the remote repository:

     git push -u origin master
     

Tip: Keep your remote repository private if you're working on sensitive projects.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should now have a fully set up development environment ready for your projects. Make sure to regularly commit your changes and push them to your remote repository to keep your work backed up. As you progress, consider exploring additional tools and frameworks that can enhance your development process. Happy coding!