Environment Setup

Install and configure everything you need for CSCD 210. Complete these in order. Budget 60–90 minutes.

Phase 1 Development Tools

Install the three tools you need to write, compile, and run Java programs.

0

How to Open and Use a Terminal

Exact buttons, menu paths, and keyboard shortcuts for absolute beginners

15 min 1

Install Java JDK 25

The compiler and runtime for all your Java programs

20 min 2

Install and Configure Git

Version control that tracks your code and connects to GitHub

15 min 3

Install VS Code for Java

Your code editor with built-in Java support

15 min

Phase 2 GitHub Workflow

Create your GitHub account, get free developer tools, and learn how to get lab code.

4

GitHub Account and Student Developer Pack

Your code hosting platform and free developer tools

15 min 5

Clone a Repository

Get lab starter code from GitHub to your computer

10 min

Phase 3 Build & Test

Learn to compile and test your code with one command.

6

Gradle Build Tool

Compile and test your Java code with one command

15 min 9

Lab Project File Guide

What every file and folder in a lab does — and why it's there

10 min 10

VS Code Settings Guide

Why autocomplete is off, how workspace settings work, and how to configure VS Code yourself

15 min

Quick Verification Checklist

After completing all guides, these commands should all work:

java --version → shows 25.x
javac --version → shows 25.x
git --version → shows 2.x+
code --version → shows VS Code version
./gradlew test → runs inside a cloned lab repo