2022 September 12,
This course is designed to work on a wide range of computers. We use OpenGL and Vulkan, so that we don't have to commit to proprietary graphics interfaces such as Microsoft's Direct3D and Apple's Metal. We use GLFW, so that we don't have to commit to proprietary application interfaces such as Microsoft's .NET and Apple's Cocoa. My goal is for every student to be able to use their own computer, if they want to.
However, graphics interacts closely with the operating system and the underlying hardware. So in practice it is sometimes hard to get all of the tools working on everyone's computer.
Follow the instructions below for your specific operating system. If you fail, then ask Mike Tie (Olin 337) for help. If we really can't get your machine set up, then you'll have to work on Carleton's macOS machines in the computer labs on the third floor of Olin. It might not be as convenient as your own computer, but all of the software is already installed and tested.
In Apple's App Store, download and install the Xcode developer environment. Among other things, it gives you the Clang compiler for the C programming language.
Then follow Mike Tie's instructions for your operating system version:
You also need a text editor. Popular free ones include Atom, BBEdit, and Brackets. You could also use Xcode's text editor. Alternatively, you could use an integrated development environment such as Xcode or CLion.
Finally, test your installation by compiling and running a couple of the C tutorials from the first day's homework. Compiling and linking to 040pixel.o should definitely be part of your test.
If you're using a version of Windows earlier than Windows 11, then upgrade. Our course materials do not appear to work on Windows 10. Once you have Windows 11, the easiest strategy is to install Ubuntu Linux as an application. See Mike Tie's instructions:
When you run Ubuntu as an application within Windows, the Ubuntu file system is stored somewhere inside the Windows file system, and it is deliberately hidden. You can choose one of two workflows:
Finally, test your installation by compiling and running a couple of the C tutorials from the first day's homework. Compiling and linking to 040pixel.o should definitely be part of your test.
Go to Mike Tie's Windows 11 installation instructions linked above. Skip the part about installing Ubuntu as an application. Start with the instructions about updating software within Ubuntu. You may need to adapt these instructions to your particular operating system or distribution.
Probably you have a text editor. If not, then Brackets is a popular one. To install it, open a shell and enter sudo snap install brackets --classic. To start Brackets, click on the grid of nine dots in the lower left corner of the screen, search for the string "Brackets", and click on the Brackets icon. Another popular editor/IDE is Visual Studio Code. It can be installed with sudo snap install --classic code.
Finally, test your installation by compiling and running a couple of the C tutorials from the first day's homework. Compiling and linking to 040pixel.o should definitely be part of your test.