Working with Project Files in VS Code

Working with Project Files in VS Code

The projects repository uses several file types because different SDLC phases use different tools.

Markdown (.md)

Examples:

• README.md
• game_storyboard.md
• text_based_game_sdw.md

Markdown is plain text with simple formatting marks.

To preview a Markdown file in VS Code, right-click the file and choose Open Preview, or use the Markdown preview button when available.

Draw.io (.drawio)

The Project One world map uses Draw.io format.

Open design/game_map.drawio in the course IDE. The course setup includes Draw.io integration in VS Code.

Keep the required .drawio format. Do not replace the graded map file with only a screenshot, PNG, or PDF unless the current assignment directions explicitly allow that format.

Pseudocode (.pseudo)

The course IDE includes pseudocode support for .pseudo files.

Pseudocode is a design language, not executable Python. Use clear steps, indentation, and course-appropriate keywords to describe logic.

Python (.py)

The milestone and Project Two use Python source files:

• prototype/move_between_rooms.py
• src/text_based_game.py

Run Python from the repository root so relative paths in the instructions match your current location.

Work From the Repository Root

When the Explorer shows it140-projects as the top folder, your integrated terminal should normally be able to use paths such as:

design/game_storyboard.md
prototype/move_between_rooms.py
src/text_based_game.py

If a command says a file does not exist, first run:

pwd
git status

On PowerShell, Get-Location can also show the current folder.

Avoid Editing Course-Managed Files

The repository may contain configuration, workflow, or reference files that support the course environment.

Edit the student-work files identified by the README. Leave course-managed files unchanged unless the activity specifically tells you to modify them.