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mike-snhu edited this page Aug 13, 2026 · 2 revisions

Course Repositories

IT 140 uses several GitHub repositories for different purposes.

A repository, often shortened to repo, is a folder of project files managed with Git. A GitHub repository can contain code, documentation, diagrams, tests, configuration files, and a history of changes.

When you open a course repository, begin with its top-level README.md.

Repository Types in IT 140

Main Course Repository

Repository: GC-STEM/it140

https://github.com/GC-STEM/it140

This is the central technical hub for the course.

It contains:

  • Course automation
  • Course-wide configuration
  • Development and operational status
  • Links to activity repositories
  • Course-wide technical resources

Do not manually clone this repository for normal course work. The automation obtains the files it needs automatically.

Module One Setup Tasks

Repository: GC-STEM/it140-m1-setup-tasks

https://github.com/GC-STEM/it140-m1-setup-tasks

This repository contains the first-time setup instructions for the course IDE.

Use it for:

  • GitHub account setup
  • Codio Virtual Desktop setup
  • Local course IDE setup
  • Setup-specific troubleshooting

After your environment is prepared, you will normally work in assignment or project repositories instead.

Assignment Repositories

Modules Two, Three, and Four use separate assignment repositories.

The course currently uses these repository names:

  • it140-m2-assignment
  • it140-m3-assignment
  • it140-m4-assignment

These are the types of repositories you may be instructed to clone and work in.

Follow the README in each assignment repository and your Brightspace instructions for the exact activity requirements.

Project Repository

Modules Five through Seven use the course project repository:

  • it140-projects

This repository supports the later project activities identified in your course instructions.

Follow the README and module instructions for the part of the project you are completing.

Which Repositories Should I Clone?

A simple rule is:

Clone assignment and project repositories only when your course instructions tell you to. Do not clone the main it140 repository as part of normal student work.

The Module One Setup Tasks repository is primarily an instruction repository. Its README gives you the commands needed to prepare your development environment.

Repository Availability

Course activity repositories may be published or updated on different schedules.

For current repository availability, use the table in the main course README:

https://github.com/GC-STEM/it140

If Brightspace references a repository that is not yet available, check the main course README for its current status before reporting a problem.

README Files

Most IT 140 repositories contain one or more README.md files.

A README usually explains:

  • What the repository or folder is for
  • What files it contains
  • What you need to do
  • What order to complete steps in
  • Where to go next

The .md extension means the file uses Markdown, a plain-text format commonly used for software documentation.

A good habit is to read the README before running commands or changing files.

Course Files You May See

Repositories often contain files that support development, automation, testing, or course maintenance but are not part of the student activity.

For example, you may see:

  • Hidden folders beginning with .
  • Configuration files
  • Automated test files
  • Development documentation
  • Scripts
  • Repository metadata

Do not assume every file is something you need to edit.

Follow the activity README. If it does not tell you to change a file, leave the file unchanged unless you understand its purpose and the activity allows the change.

GitHub Is Part of the Learning Environment

You do not need prior Git or GitHub experience to begin IT 140.

During the course, you will become more familiar with ideas such as:

  • Repositories
  • README files
  • Markdown
  • Cloning
  • Version control
  • Project organization

These are common software-development concepts. The goal is to learn them gradually while using them to support your programming work.

Where to Go Next

IT 140 Main Course Wiki

Course Links

Setup Help

Clone this wiki locally