Lab 1: Programming Environment: Java, vim, and OS Commands

The goal of this lab is to install the latest Java compiler and the Vim editor for use during the semester. If you do not have Java or vim installed, use the instructions below to load them onto your laptop. In addition you will learn some operating system commands (DOS or Unix depending on the type of machine that you use).

For Windows Users

  1. Install Java using the instructions on this page by following the instructions carefully.

  2. Learn some basic Windows DOS commands.

  3. Install vim for Windows. Vim is a command-line text editor. It's helpful to know the basics of vim when you are programming and also when you work with servers.

  4. After vim is installed, in your start menu search for "vim tutor" and run the "vim tutor" program. Go through lessons 1 to 5 to get familiar with vim.

    You can use vim to edit any text file by running the "gVim" program and open or create a file.

    Some other optional resources to check out as you're learning the basics are this vim basics in 8 minutes video or this getting started with vim guide. There is also a gamified vim adventure game to learn and practice using vim and many more advanced tips and resources at this link.

  5. Demonstrate to the instructor or a TA that your vim works and you can run a simple Java program on your computer.

For Mac Users

  1. Install Java using the instructions on this page by following the instructions carefully.

  2. Learn some Unix commands.

  3. In Terminal, type "vimtutor" and hit enter. This is a tutorial to learn the basics of vim, a command-line text editor. It's helpful to know the basics of vim when you are programming and also when you work with servers. Go through lessons 1 to 5 to get familiar with vim.

    To use vim in Terminal, you can just type "vim filename", replacing filename with whatever file you want to open or create. Some other optional resources to check out as you're learning the basics are this vim basics in 8 minutes video or this getting started with vim guide. There is also a gamified vim adventure game to learn and practice using vim and many more advanced tips and resources at this link.

  4. Demonstrate to the instructor or a TA that your vim works and you can run a simple Java program on your computer.