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What Is the Course IDE
An integrated development environment (IDE) is software used to design, write, run, test, debug, and manage programs and related files. In IT 140, the term course IDE is used broadly for the supported collection of development tools and course-specific configuration used throughout the course.
You do not need to understand every tool before completing Module One setup. The setup automation installs or configures the supported tools for you.
| Software Category | Software | Student Use in IT 140 |
|---|---|---|
| Version control | Git and GitHub CLI | Obtain and manage assignment/project repositories and their change history |
| Programming language | Python 3.12 | Write, run, and debug Python programs |
| Test runner | pytest and pytest-cov | Run provided tests and review results |
| Code editor / IDE | Visual Studio Code | Design, write, test, debug, and manage course files |
| Python support | ms-python.python |
Provide Python language support in VS Code |
| Linter / formatter | charliermarsh.ruff |
Identify style issues and format code consistently |
| Diagram support | hediet.vscode-drawio |
View, create, and edit flowcharts and game-world maps |
| Pseudocode support | i2p-hub.i2p-pseudo |
View, create, and edit pseudocode with syntax highlighting |
| Code spell checker | streetsidesoftware.code-spell-checker |
Check spelling in source code and documentation |
| File viewers | cweijan.vscode-office |
View course-provided Office and PDF files within VS Code |
A consistent environment helps course instructions, screenshots, automated tests, starter files, and support procedures behave similarly across supported systems. Python 3.12 also matches the course reference environment and zyBooks.
If you choose a different software stack, it must still produce the file formats and functionality expected by each activity. Your instructor or the IT Service Desk may be unable to troubleshoot software outside the supported course environment.
The Codio Virtual Desktop (CVD) is the course reference environment. It is a cloud-based Linux desktop accessed in a browser.
A local course IDE installs and configures the course tools directly on a supported Windows, macOS, or Linux computer. See Setup Options for help comparing environments.
This Wiki page is an explanatory overview, not the controlled software manifest. The exact automation requirements, package identifiers, versions or version rules, and supported deployment profiles are maintained in the main course repository:
- Main course repository: https://github.com/GC-STEM/it140
- Controlled manifest: https://github.com/GC-STEM/it140/blob/main/scripts/.manifest/it140_manifest.json
That separation keeps the Wiki readable while allowing the automation manifest to remain the authoritative technical source.