Computer Science Basics for Beginners

🛠️ IDEs, Editors & Terminal Basics

To write, run, and manage code efficiently, developers use a set of tools including text editors, IDEs (Integrated Development Environments), and terminals. This chapter will help you understand these essentials and choose the right ones as a beginner.

📓 What is a Text Editor?

A text editor is a simple tool that allows you to write and edit plain text files, including source code.

• Examples: Notepad, Notepad++, Sublime Text
• Lightweight and fast
• No built-in compiler/debugger

🧩 What is an IDE?

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) combines a text editor, compiler, debugger, and other tools into one software. IDEs are powerful tools for writing, testing, and debugging code efficiently.

• Code Editor: With syntax highlighting and auto-completion
• Built-in Compiler/Debugger: To test and fix errors easily
• Project Management: Handles large-scale codebases

🎯 Popular IDEs and Editors

🖥️ What is the Terminal/Command Line?

The terminal (or command line) is a text-based interface where you can run commands to interact with your computer and its files. It’s widely used by developers for automation, file handling, and running scripts.

• Access system files and directories
• Run scripts or compile code
• Install packages, use Git, and manage environments

💡 Basic Terminal Commands

# List files in current directory
ls

# Move into a directory
cd folder_name

# Go back
cd ..

# Make a new folder
mkdir new_folder

# Create a new file
touch hello.txt

# Run a Python file
python hello.py
  

🧠 Real-Life Analogy

Think of the IDE as a fully-equipped kitchen where everything is in one place: knives, stoves, ingredients. The terminal is like a walkie-talkie — you give exact verbal instructions and your system follows.

📝 Practice Questions

1. What is the difference between an editor and an IDE?
2. Name 2 editors and 2 IDEs.
3. List 3 commands to work with files in a terminal.
4. What features make IDEs powerful for debugging?

✅ Coming Next

In the next chapter, we’ll explore Introduction to Git & Open Source — learning how developers collaborate and manage their code using version control.