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Alternative Local Development Tools
IT 140 uses a standard course integrated development environment (course IDE) so that instructions, examples, tests, and technical support begin from a consistent configuration. The Codio Virtual Desktop (CVD) is the course reference environment.
This alternative is intended for instructors and students who already have experience configuring and troubleshooting an IDE or development toolset. Students without that experience should use the course IDE described in the current Module One Setup Tasks.
Before using alternative local tools, configure and verify the CVD. Keep it available as:
- the standard reference for course instructions and demonstrations;
- a known working environment for checking course files and reproducing problems; and
- a backup when a local tool or computer is unavailable.
After the CVD is ready, experienced users may use any local IDE, editor, extensions, or external applications they prefer, provided the complete toolset meets the requirements below.
The selected toolset must be able to view, edit, and save every required course file without changing its required name, extension, format, or editable content.
| File type | Required capability |
|---|---|
.py |
View, edit, and save Python source files; run course programs with Python 3.12. |
.md |
View, edit, and save Markdown files and display a rendered graphical preview. Editing may use raw text or a WYSIWYG editor. |
.pseudo |
View, edit, and save plain-text pseudocode files. I2P-style pseudocode syntax highlighting is recommended but not required. |
.drawio and .drawio.png
|
View, edit, and save diagrams graphically while preserving their editable Draw.io diagram data. |
The toolset must also support the course workflow: users must be able to work with Git and GitHub, run required tests, and follow repository and submission instructions as written.
Opening a .drawio file as raw XML or viewing a .drawio.png file only as a static image does not meet the course requirement. Both formats must remain graphically editable.
An IDE may provide graphical Draw.io support natively or through an add-on. Otherwise, use a compatible external application, such as the diagrams.net web app or Draw.io desktop. Draw.io and diagrams.net are names for the same diagramming tool and are functionally interchangeable for course diagrams.
When saving a diagram, verify that the application preserves the original file type and its editable diagram data. Do not flatten or convert an editable course diagram into an ordinary image.
Using alternative tools does not change assignment requirements, required file formats, repository workflows, or submission instructions.
Course documentation, screenshots, demonstrations, primary testing, and troubleshooting use the CVD and the supported course IDE. Users who choose another toolset are responsible for installing, configuring, updating, and troubleshooting it. Instructor and technical support for tool-specific problems may be limited.
If a result differs from the course instructions or a problem cannot be reproduced, open the same course files in the configured CVD. You may be asked to verify or reproduce the issue there before receiving further support.
For the standard environment and current setup paths, see Course IDE and Tools and the Module One Setup Tasks.