Advanced guides for Coding & Programming Everything you need to master Secure et ss essential coding & programming ckille PROC CR g coding Linux and TT OER SF ea ey Bea (tami ETM era cat BOT eat cm cu een iy ARICA EMR aren ay ELM ace OT SO UC iTogWant to master your Code? Then don’t miss our NEW programming magazine on = Readily now! me hla ee elas a Ae 7 Uy eT]TRICKS & TIPS (vy Advanced guides for Coding & Programming Welcome to the next level of understanding and expansion of your user experience! For some it is enough to master the basics of your new device, software or hobby. Yet for many, like you, that's just the start! Advancing your skill set is the goal of all users of consumer technology and our team of long term industry experts will help you achieve exactly that. Over this extensive series of titles we will be looking in greater depth at how you make the absolute most from the latest consumer electronics, software, hobbies and trends! We will guide you step-by-step through using all the advanced aspects of the technology that you may have been previously apprehensive at attempting Over the page Let our expert guide help you our Journey con Cinues build your understanding and we will be with Y of technology and gain the at every eta, you . 98 Co advic ‘aform and ultimately’ ‘nspive you to 9° Further. skills to take you from a confident user to an experienced expert.10 2 4 16 18 20 What is @ Batch File? Getting Started with Batch Files Getting an Output Playing with Variables Batch File Programming Loops and Repetition Creating a Batch File Game 24 WhyLinux? 26 The Best Linux Distributions 28 Equipment You will Need 30 Creating a Linux installer on Windows 32 _ Installing Linux on 2 PC 34 Installing a Virtual Environment 36 Installing Linux in a Virtual Environment 38 _ Getting Ready to Code in Linux 40. Creating Bash Scripts—Part 1 42 Creating Bash Scripts Part 2 44 Creating Bash Scripts Part 3 46 Creating Bash Scripts—Part 4 48 Creating Bash Scripts Part 5 50 Command Line Quick Reference 52 ) Code Projects and Ideas 54 Planning your Code 56 Finding Resources 58 Creating a Loading Screen 60 Planning a Text Adventure 62 Text Adventure Script 64 Retro Coding 66 Text Animations 68 Common Coding Mistakes 70 Python Beginner's Mistakes 72 _ C++ Beginner's Mistakesear Sect td rene ere ret) Cues eee ius mf | VA | ee f com tts es) Sr teen ————10 Batch FilesCoding with — Windows 10 — Batch Files Did you know that Windows has its own built- ear tee eared et era SM eck Neca RU) TCM eerie et esd nem rina mca they are still there and still just as capable as ANT RCo Coe eee nrc) Penner eee er) Pete ea eeu Rue karunesh) tee recent Rear interactions, variables, loops and even a batch File quiz game to inject an element of Fun.=» Coding with Windows 10 Batch Files What is a Batch File? .BAT MAN ‘A Windows batch File is simply a script file that runs a series of commands, one line ata time, much inthe same fashion as a Linux script. The series of commands are executed by the command line interpreter and stored in a plain text file with the BAT extension; this signifies to Windows that it’s an executable fie, in this case, a script Batch files have been around since the earliest versions of Microsoft line in turn, loading programs that would activate the mouse of DOS. Although not exclusively a Microsoft scripting fie, batch files optical drive into the memary areas assigned by the Config sys file are mainly associated with Microsofts operating systems. In the early days, when a PC booted into aversion of DOS (which produced The DOS user of the day could opt to create different Autooxee. simple command prompt when poweredup), the batch Fiewas _at files depending on what they wanted to do. For example, if used in the form ofa system fle called Autoexec bat. Autoexec. they wanted to play a game and have as much memory available bat was a script that automatically executed (hence Autoexed) as possible, they/d create 2 Configsys and Autoexec.bat set of files commands once the operating system had finished dealing with the that loaded the bare minimum of divers and so on. I they needed Config.ys ile access to the network, an Autoexec:bat file could be created to When a user powered up their DOS based computer, and once the BIOS had finished checking the system memory and s0.0n, 00S woul lookto the Config.sys file to load any specific display requirements and hardware drivers, allocate thema slotin the available memory, assign any memory managers and tell the system where the Command.com file, ‘which isthe command line interpreter For 00S, was, Once it had done that, then the Autoexec bat file took cover and ran through each ‘The Autoexec.bat file was ‘aPC users first experience with a batch file. wr bepublicationsomBatch files are plain text and often created using Notepad. Batch files were often used as utility programs, to help users with complextasks. load the network card driver and automatically gain access to the network. Each of these unique setups would be loaded on toa Floppy disk and booted as and when required by the use The Autoexec bat was the fist such fle many users came across in their PC-based computing lives; since many had come froma 16-bit or even B-bit background; remember, this was the late eighties and early nineties, The batch file was the user's primary tool For automating task, creating shortcuts and adventure games and translating complex processes into something far simpler. Nowadayshowever,a batch file isnt just for loading in drvers and suuch when the PC boots. You can use a batch file inthe same way asany other scripting language file, in that you can program itto ask fr user input and dispay the results on the screen; or save to a file and even send itto@ locally or network attached printer. You can create scripts to back up your Files to various locations, compare date stamps and only back up the most recently changed content as well as program the script todo allthis automatically. Batch files are remarkably powerful and despite them not being as commonly used asthey were during the older days of DOS, they ae stil there and can be utilised even in the latest version of Windows 10; and can be as complex or simple as you want them to be. Sowhat do you need to star batch file programming in Windows? Well, as long as you have Windows 10, or any older version of Windows for that matter, you can star batch file programming immediately ll you need is to be able to open Notepad and getto the command prompt of Windows. We show you how itall works, so read on, What is a Batch File? EINie tale s3 Just ke any other programming interface that can directly interrogate and manipulate the system, batch files require ‘a certain amount of care when programming, It's hard to damage your system with a batch fil, asthe more important ‘elements ofthe modern Windows system are protected by the User Account Control (UAQ security; UAC works by only allowing elevated privileges access to important system files Therefore if you create a batch file that somehow deletes a system file, the UAC activates and stop the pracess. However, ifyou're working inthe command prompt with elevated privileges to begin with, asthe Administrator, then the UAC won't question the batch file and continue regardless ‘of what files are being deleted, That said, you're not likely to create a batch ile tha intentionally wipes out your operating system. There are system controls in place to help prevent that; butt's worth mentioning as there are batch files available on the Internet that contain malicious code designed to create problems. Much ikea virus, a rogue batch file (when executed with ‘Administrator privileges) can cause mi ‘damage. In short, don't rendomly execute any batch file downloaded from the Internet as an Administrator, without First reviewing whet it does. ich mayhem and system ‘You can learn more about batch files in the coming pages, so don't worry too much about destroying your system with one. All thisjust demonstrates how powerful the humble batch Fle You can create complex batch files or simple ones that display ASCII images on screen, ww bdmpubliationscomCoding with Windows 10 Batch Files Getting Started with Batch Files ANEW BATCH ‘Throughout this section on batch files we're going to be working with Notepad, the command prompt and within a folder called ‘Batch Files’. To begin with, let's see how you get to the Windows command prompt BD te vindows — prompt may looka little a daunting to the newcomer butit’s simply another interface or Shell) used to access the filesystem. You i can go anywhere you like in the command prompt, as you wauld with the graphical interface. To begin, cickon the Windows Start button and enter CMD into the search box. BED Click on the search result labelled Command Promo (Desktop App) and a new window pops up. The Command Prompt window isn't much to lookatto begin with but, ‘you can see the Microsoft Windows version number and copyright information followed by the prompt itself. The prompt details the current directory or folder you're in, together with yc wr bepublicationsom ed Decuines The BED he prompt should change and display \ Docunent's>s thismeans you're in the Documents directory, Now, create a new directory call Batch Fle ess Return, nd “Baten You need the quotations because without them, Wind two directories: Batch and Files, Now change directory into the V created Batch Files, You won't need t Quotes to change directories.PSFISED ow that you have the directory set up, where you store your batch Files, here is how you can create one. Leave the command prompt window open and clickon the Windows Seat button again. This time enter Natepad and click on the search result to open the Notepad program. Notepad is simple text editor but ideal for creating batch scripts with, ® echo Hello World! To create your frst batch file, enter the folowing into Notepad: By default, a batch file dsplays all the commands that it runs through, line by ne. What the @echo off command does is turn that feature off forthe whole script; with the ‘@ (at) sian to apply that command to itself eae ff FS TeeR AD When saving anything in Notepad the default extension s xt, to denote a text file, However, you ‘want the extension tobe .bat. lick on File> Save As and navigate tothe newly created Batch Files directory in Documents. Click the drop-down menu Save as Type, and select All Files From the menu. In File Name, call the file Test.bat. Geto iran ( Getting Started with Batch Files IR ce command prompt window, enter EBM apeh co tthe neny created eset le By the way, the /w part of dir means the files are listed across, the screen as opposed ta straight down. Enter aif you want {although you need more files to view) but it's considered easier to read with the w lag. To execute the batch file you've just created, simply enteritsname, Test. inthe command prom window, You don't need to add the. bat part, as Windows recognises itas an executable file, and the only one with that particular name in the current directory, Press return and see how you're greated wich Hello World in the cornmand prompt. Gecha off echo Hello World! echo This: echo. echo With a blank Line between! ie my first batch dle Remember to save eat ) new change to the batch fileCoding with Windows 10 Batch Files.) Getting an Output Meena a ean Mirae ic the echo command in the batch file, it's not very useful at the moment, or interactive Remar tee Reena RE Cee eco kettle INPUT, OUTPUT Batch fi the equation. PR cnn ameiongn nin ene sen ‘View. Start with the @echo off command and under that add dir “ct\users\YOURNAME\Docunents\Batch Files” > :\users\YOURNAME\dirview.txt ‘Substitute YOURNAME with your Windows username. are capable of taking a normal Windows command and executing it, while also adding extra options and flags into Yhaveno doubt noticed that there so us) indication that the batch file worked as there's. nomesningfl output onthe screen, However, younow open Explorer and browse to ce \Wsers\YOURNAE, remembering to subsite YOURIAME wth your windows username, and double clccthe darien. the you can seethebateh Hes cut BEPTSED The now line uses the dir command to list the contents of the rectory Batch Files, in your Home directory, dumping the output toa text file called ai rview. tt in the root of your Home directory. This is done, so that the Windows UAC doesn't require elevated permissions, as everything sin your ‘own Home area, Save and run the batch file IF you want to automate the task af opening the text file that contains the output, add the following line tothe bateh ile notepad. exe ©: \users\YOURNAME\dirview. txt Save the file and once again run From the command prompt. This time, it creates the output and automaticaly opens Natepad with the output contents.OUTPUT WITH VARIABLES (cetingan oxtpt Variables offer a more interesting way of outputting something to the screen and create a higher level of interaction between the user and the batch file. Try this example below. Following lines: Create a new batch Fle and callit name.bat. Start with the @echo off command, then add the set /p name: echo Hello, Note: there's a space after the question mark. This isto make Itlook neater on the screen, Save and run the batch File lahat is yet The set /pname creates a variable called name, with the /p part indicating that an ‘=prompt string! istofollow. The Set command displays, sets or removes system and environmental variables. For example, while in the command prompt window enter Bis “Toview the current system variables. Note the name= variable we Just created, Variables stored with Set can be called with the Sse S6VARIABLENAME% syntax In the batch fle, we used the newly created %name% syntax to call upon the contents of the variable called name, Your username, For example, is stored as a variable. Try ths ina batch fle: echo Hello, SUSERNAMES. What are you doing? FETED This is extremely usefulif you want to createa Unique, personal batch file that automatically runs when a user logs inte Windows. Using the default systems variables that Windows itself creates, you can make a batch ile that greets each user: cho off echo Hello, echo. echo Thanks for Jogging in. currentiy the neti is operating at 10088 efficiency echo. echo Your Hone directory is located at ‘echo The computer nae you're logged in to is SUSERNAMES, FPIIED seve and execute the batch file changes; youcan overwrite and still use name.batif you want. The batch fie takes the current system variables and reports them accordingly, depending on the users login name and the name of the computer. Note: the double percent symbol means the percent sign ill be displayed, and isnot a variable. ‘Alternatively, you can run the batch file and dsplay itonthe users desktop as atext Fle: echo Hello, SUSERNAMES. > cr#HO! echo. >> ci tHOMEPATHE\user.txt echo Thanks for logging in is operating at 10038 efficiency. echo. >> c:tHOMEPATH \user. txt echo Your Hone directory is located at >> er SHOMEPATHB\user. Ext fecho The computer name you're logged in to is COMPUTERNAMES >> c1$HOMEPATHS \user. txt (CH SHOMEPATHS\user. txt ate \user. txt currently the network >> cH SHOMEPATHS SHOMEPATHY echo. notepad ¢:sHoMEP; Nuser txt The > outputs toa new file called usertat, while the >> adds the lines within the file.§ Coding with Windows 10 Batch Files Playing with Variables USING MORE VARIABLES Here's a good example of mixing system and environmental variables with some of your own creation, along with a number of external Windows commands. PETER create anew batch file called istbat andstartic off vith the echo of command. Begin by clearing the command prompt screen and aisplaying ait of the current directories onthe computer: els BED Save and execute the batch file. Within the ‘command prompt you can see the contents of al the files and directories from the root othe C:\ drive; and as any ‘ser under Windows has permission to see this, there's no UAC elevated privileges require wr bepublicationsom he contents le tothe user's FETED) Now, creates batch file that displays of any directory and post it as.a text screen. Add the Following to the list. bat batch fle: echo Hello, SUSE echo From the Ea What's happening here isthe batch file asks the user to-enter any ofthe directories cisplayed in the list it ‘generated, in the Fox of ‘c\directory’. Providing the user enters a valid dcectory, its contents are displayed as atext file. We create the view variable here along with KHOMEPATH%, to store the input and the text filePEPER (5 2twaysa g00d idea, when creating text files For the user to temporarily view, to clean up after yourself There's nothing worse than having countless, random text files clutering up the filesystem. That being the case, let's clear up with: els del /0 view.txt det /g list. txt echo All files deleted: system clean. FEPTID The additions to the batch file simply clear the command prompt window (using the cls command) ‘and delete both the view.txt and lst.tet files that were created by the batch file. The /Q flag in the del command meansit deletes the files without any user input or notification, The Final message informs the user that the files are removed, aD Ovcrdns your system is configured, eae ‘you may not get any a directory information comma Pome atalloramessage — stating Access Denied, ‘This is because the UAC isblocking access to protected areas of the system, ke c\Windows or CAProgram Files. ‘Therefore, youneed to run the batch file as an ‘Administrator. Click the Windows Sart button and enter CMD again. PEPE DD '1s:220 of leeclicking on the Command Prompt result, as you did the first time you opened it, rightclick t and from the menu choose Run as Administrator. There isa riskthat you could damage system files as the Administrator butas long as youre careful and don't do anything beyond viewing directories, you wll be okay. 5 2. 6 Fiters est match FRR Command Promot © Run as administrator se D Open file location Pin to Start Pin to taskbar FETED) This action triggers the UAC warning message, asking you if you're sure you want to run the Windows command prompt with the elevated Administrator privileges. Most of the time we wouldn't recommend this course of action: the UAC is there to protect your system. In this case, however, click Yes. th the UAC acne, the command promt looks Guz alittle different. For starters, it's now defaulting to the C\WINDOWS\system32 Folder and the top of the windows is labeled Adminstrator Torun the bathe youneed to navigate to the Batch Files directory with: ed \Users\USERNAME\Documents\ Batch Fes To help, pressthe Tab ay to autocomplete the directory namesBatch File Programming It's the little additions we can make to a batch file that help it stand out and ultimately reel Mle ev CRU A CoO ELIE aCe Osea Sel ae ON Keo] line can do just as much, and this is where batch Files come into their own. SEARCHING FOR FILES Here's ar and displays the results. FETE RED We 2% introducing 2 couple of new commands into the mix here but we think they/re really useful Create a new batch file called seek.bat andin It put: Gecno or cle color 2 ‘echo Please enter the type of file you want to search for (MP3, DOC, JPG for example) ‘echo. “he new conmnandinthisinsarcels cl: eure (Americanised spelling). Color, as you already: assume cargstie cou te caren rom dl. The Gotoratutes se spaced by two hex thet oesponds tothe bcgrund cour the Command cense ate sont tothe eresround. and cane ry of hefollowng vues O=Black &=Grey 1=Blue 9=Light Blue 2=Green A=Light Green 3=Aqua B= Light Aqua 4=Red C= Light Red S=Purple D = Light Purple 6=Yellow E=Light Yellow 7=White — F = Bright White interesting little batch ile that you can easily extend For your own use. It asks the user for a file type to search For PEED) Now let’sextend the seek bat batch file: Gece off ele color 2 echo Please enter the type of file you want to search for (MP3, DOC, JPG for example) echo. set /p ext= here /R o:\ *.textt > found.tat notepad.exe found. txt ele color del /0 found.txt (ee cent te rer woene ahnccattetsstaceie ester bea Sneiictaiseotathecoel nen sedateCHOICE MENUS (_ Batch File Programming Creating a menu of choices is a classic batch file use and a good example to help expand your batch file programming skis. Here's some code to help you understand how it all works. FETE ERE ether than using a variable to process.a user's response, batch files can instead use the Choice ‘command in conjunction with an ErrorLevel parameterto make a menu. Create a new file called menu.bat and enter the Fellowing: Becho off cls choice /M “po you want to continue Af errorlevel 2 goto Af errorlevel 1 goto Y yyw Running the code produces an error as we've called Goto command without any reference toit inthe file. Goto does exactly that, goes to a specific ine in the batch file. Finish the file with the folowing and run it again 8 echo. echo goto chose No. Goodbye. echo end FS TeE DD The output from your choice is different depending on whether you pick ¥o© N. The End part smply signifies the end ofthe fle (also known as EOF). without itthe batch fle runs through each ine and display the ¥ response even ifyou enter N; soit’ important to remember to Follow your Goto commands PEPPD crrortevels are essentially variables and the /M switch of Choice allows a descriptive message string to be displayed. Extend this menu with something new Geche off els echo. echo echo. echo Please choose a directory. ‘echo. echo. echo. echo echo. echo. Press 1 for c:\Music Press 2 for c:\bocunente Press 3 for c:\Pictures echo Press 4 for c dees echo. echo ~ choice /c 1234 if errorlevel 4 4¢ errorlevel 3 videos Docunents Nasie goto goto goto if errorlevel 1 goto PPI) Now add the Goto sections: videos cls CD $HOMERATHE\Videos echo You are now in the goto End Videoe directory. reictures cle CD SHOMBPATHS\Pictures echo You axe now in the goto End Pictures directory. Documents ele cb tor echo You are now in the ‘goto End u6\Docunents Documents directory. Music eis CD sHOMEPATHS \Music echo you are now in the goto End Music directory End when exc the bathe dla menu and th Su6 ‘each choice the code changes directory to the one the User entered. The SHOMEPATH®& system variable wil enter the curently loggedin user's Mus Pictures andso directories, and nat anyone else'sCoding with Windows 10 Batch Files Loops and Repetition COUNTERS Creating code that counts in increasing or decreasing number sets is great for demonstrating loops. With that in mind, let's look at the If statement alittle more, alongside more variables, and introduce the Else, Timeout and eof (End of File) commands. EED Thecount. “we at code starts at number one and counts, scrolling down the screen, untilit reaches 100. ‘The Timeout command leaves one second gap between numbers and the Else statement continues Unt the counter variable equals 100 before going to the eof (End OF File), thus, closing the loop. wr bepublicationsom creating a new batch file called count.bat owing, save itand run PETER) the countbatisa rough way of demonstrating a loop; a better approach would be to use a For loop. Try this example instead: fecha off for /i 48m in (1,1,99) do echo 48m PPD sreakingit down, there's For, then the /L switch, which handles 3 range of numbers, Then the parameter labelled as %8en to denote a number. Then the in (1,1,99) part, which tells the statement how to count, asin 1 (Start number), 1 (teps to take), 99 (the end number). The next partis do, meaning 00 whatever command is ater.Sin in (141,99) do Ynobreak > nul) & timeout /7 1 Conpsand Repetto There are different ways of using the For loop. In this example, the code creates 26 directories, one For each letter of the alphabet, within the directory c\test which the batch file makes using the MD command: Gecho off FOR 88 IN (a, Deed Ke Ly D4 OrPe Gees FEMI one of the areat time saving uses of batch files isto create multiple, numbered files. Assume that you ‘want twenty five text files within a directory, all numbered from 1 to 25. AFor loop much lke the previous example does the trick echo off Stn in (11,25) do : py nul Ptn-txt f= you can now see 25 text files all neatly numbered, OF course, you an append the fle name with something like user txt and so on by altering the code to read: IFyou open Windows Explorer, and navigate to the Batch Files directory where you're working from, 10 off e /L Stn in (1,1,25) do copy nul Usertsn.txt Fare 0095 can be powerful and extremely useful clerents ina batch file, While creating 26 directories may not sound too helpful, imagine having to create (000 users on a network and assign each one their own set of Unique directories. Thisis where a batch file saves an immense amount of time. PEPET DD Should you ever get stuck when using the various ‘commands within a batch file, drop into the ‘command prompt and enter the command followed by a question switch, For example, for /?or if? You get an on-screen help fle detailing the commands’ use. For easier reading, pipet toa text file For /2 > forheip.txtee) Coding with Windows 10 Batch Files Creating a Batch File Game Based on what you've looked at ea ahs lxen | COM e- Ta) cell CAA ARV meaty RTT ae eee-Ce Vie Rol male (afl choice game. Here's one that we Cecmm eMusic) elle Tt a elt) Make up your own questions but haw abaut also including an introductory or loading screer®? Make your loading screen in a separate batch fle and saveit as. screens bat (for example). Then, from the main game batch file, you can load itat the beginning ofthe file with the ‘all command followed by colourto reset the game's colours: echo off cis Call screens. bat color set /p nene= What is your nane? urn bepublicationscom Becho off cle set /a score=0 set /a question=0 cls set /p nanes What is your nane? cle cho sittintisttneesniistinteneisstneanenneintaseentiie ‘echo. ‘echo Welcome ‘name’ to the super-cool trivia gane. ‘echo. echo Press 1 to get started ‘echo. ‘echo Press 2 for instructions ‘echo. ‘echo Press Q to quit ‘echo. Scho. #tseeneanseuntavenveneerncneeneerstenetverseeneanes choice /c 129 Af errorlevel 3 goto :eof if errorlevel 2 goto Instructions Af errorlevel 1 goto Gane cis ‘echo. (echo, Sonroneevasenraenrernesnrsarerneawen ‘echo. ‘echo The instructions are simple. Answer the questions correctly. ‘echo. ho. HAAtnHaeenanasuasanennstantsennntin pause cls goto mens ‘cane set /a question=tquestiont+l Af tquestiont ==5 (goto end) else (echo you are on question tquestion’) ‘echo. ‘echo get ready for the question. ‘echo. timeout /T 5 /nobreak > nul Af tquestiont ==5 (goto end) else (goto tquestiont) a cis ‘echo. ‘echo.‘echo Your current score is tscoret echo. echo weretenenvanensnnrneenstentsns echo. echo. fecho Question tquestiont, echo. fecho Which of the following version of Windows is the best? echo. fecho A, Windows 10 echo. echo B. Windows ME echo. fecho C. Windows Vista echo, choice /¢ abe Af errorlevel 3 goto wrong Af errorlevel 2 goto wrong Af errorlevel 1 goto correct 2 els echo. cho tteteneavenesenennenestensns echo. ‘echo Your current score is tecoret echo. cho tettenneanteneenrennnsetntsns echo. echo. ‘echo Question tquestion’. echo. {echo Which of the following version of Windows is the ost stable? } Af errorlevel 1 goto correct 3 cls echo. ocho Stetanesvetesnnnessanssuneaee echo. fecho Your current score is tacoret echo. echo fertenseveressnerneenstentans echo. echo. fecho Question tquestiont. echo. ‘echo Which of the following Windows version is the latest? echo. fecho A. Rindows 10 echo. fecho B. Windows 98 echo. ‘echo C. Windows 7 echo. choice /C abe (Creating a Batch File Game Af errorlevel 3 goto wrong Af errorlevel 2 goto wrong Af errorlevel 1 goto correct ey ele ‘echo. echo stnerensnenennenennenensnnenne ‘echo. ‘echo Your current score is tscoret ‘echo. cho. sthteunanesuntannanennnenenne ‘echo. ‘echo. ‘echo Question tquestion’. ‘echo. ‘echo Which of the following Windows uses DirectX 127 ‘echo. ‘echo A. Windows 10 ‘echo. ‘echo B, Windows 3.11 ‘echo. ‘echo C. Windows XP ‘echo. choice /¢ abe Af errorlevel 3 goto wrong Af errorlevel 2 goto wrong Af errorlevel 1 goto correct sarong cls (echo: eoneorenrerneenen ‘echo. ‘echo WRONG ‘echo. echo sntewnaneeaaennes set /a score=tscore!-1 pause goto :game correct cls echo s#ntennsneenateney ‘echo. ‘echo CORRECT. YIPEE!! ‘echo. ocho. stasewnaveseanents set /a scorentscoret4l pause goto :game send els facho *thtwnsvestassennnenestetnss ‘echo. ‘echo Well done, thane’, you have answered all the questions ‘echo. ‘echo And your final score is... ‘echo. ‘echo tecoret ‘echo. echo sittinettesnesnesetannsnenats ‘choice /M “play again? Y/N" Af errorlevel 2 goto :eof Af errorlevel 1 goto startMIM Tt eo a en ak mee tT Ld aa i ok i | 4, Oifeta Mm at | | — (Gereliare on Linux Pea eR Ch eu be unre both malleable and powerful, while offering Re aC aes aay which to build their skills. While all the popular PE eee rue ee Peetu nee enn eer and macOS, Linux also utilises its own coding eon crac s Coe ea une ecun ae Loney Perea enacts Sr eeu UI a background based on a pre-defined schedule, See a acta ed DER ic hues CNT) Reda Sema Pa ue CE UE | easel oeIBS coding on tinux Why Linux? FREE AND OPEN Linux isa fantastic fit for those who want something different; the efficiency of the system, the availability of applications and its stability, are just a Few reasons why. “The First thing we need to addressis thet theres no basic operating system called Linux. Fundamentally, Linuxisthe operating system keel, the core component of an OS. When talking about Linuxwe ‘are, in Fact, referring to one ofthe many distributions, or distro, that use the Linux kernel No doubt youve heard of atleast one of the current popular distros: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, openSUSE, Debian, Raspbian... thelist goes on. Each one ofthese distros offers the user something a te different. while each has the Linux kernel at Itscore, they offer a different looking desktop environment, ferent preloaded applications, different ways in which to update the systern and get more apps installed anda slighty different look and Feel throughout the entire system. However atthe centre les Linux, which is why we say, Linux, A Linux is a great operating system in, t) whichto start coding. Ble IE ww bepublicationseom Linux works very differently to Windows or macOS. Fora star i's Free to download, Free toinstallon as many computers as you lke, free to use for an unlimited amount of time and Free to upgrade and extend with equally free programs and applications. This free to Use element is one of the biggest crews for the developer. While a Windows license can cost up to £100 and a Macconsiderably more, user, be they a developer, gamer, oF someone wo wants to put an colder computer to use, can quickly download a distro and get to work Inamatter of minutes, ‘Alongside the Free to use aspect comes a level of Freedom to customise and mouid the ystem to your own uses. Each ofthe distros avalable on. the Intemet have a certain‘spin, some offer increased security a Fancylooking desktop, a gaming specific spin, or something directed towerd students. This extensibility makes Linux a more desirable platform to ‘use, as you can quickly mauld the system into a development base, including mary different kinds oF IDEs For use with Python, web development C++, Java and soon, or even a base for online anonymity, peshaps.asa Minecraft server, media centre and much mi ‘Another remarkable advantage for those looking to learn how to code isthat Linux comes with most ofthe popular coding environments builtin, oth Python and C++ are pre-installed in a high percentage of Linux distros, which means you can stat to program almost as soon as ‘you install the system and boot it up forthe frst time, Generally speaking, Linux doesnt take up as many system resources ‘as Windows or macOS, (by system resources, we mean memory, hard drive space and CPU load), asthe Linux code has been streamlined ands free from third-party ‘bloatware’, which hogs those systems resources. A more efficient system, means more available resources for the coding and testing environment and the programs you will eventually create. Less resource use also means {you can use Linux on older hardware that would normally struggle, or even refuse to run, the latest versions of Windows or macOS. There are thousands of free packages available for programmers under Lit (Why Linux? stirs Qf Mandriva @v- A Each distro offers something unique to the t) user but all have Linux at the core. So rather than throwing away an old computer, it can be reused with a Linuxdstro However, i'snatallabout C++, Python, orany ofthe ather more pponular programming languages. Using the command line of Linux {@lso called the Terrina), you're able to create Shel scripts, which are programs made up of scripting languages and designed torun from the command line. They are used mainly to automate tasks, or offer the ‘ser some Form of input and output fora certain operation. There are many more advantages we could lst, forexample, there are thousands and thousands of Free programs and apps avaliable that caver practically every aspect of computing, Known as packages, there ae (atthe time of writing) over 8,700 speaiic programming applications on Linux Mintalone and an incredible 62,000+ overall packages, catering from Amateur Radio to WWW took. Inconclusion, Linxis areat resource and environment which toprogram. ls perfectly suited For developers, while continually improving and evolving. IF you're serious about geting into coding, or ‘you ust want to explore something new, then give Linuxa try and see how itworks for you. Linux programming environment can be as simple or as complex as you need it to be. vwnebdepublications.omEB cosaonin) | The Best Linux rt Distributions - ATSC e- ae LO RCSL MAE Se) ae ARPS eee ol Me LRT different ethos and approach. Here are five great distributions to try and where you can get them. LINUX MINT ~ LINUXMINT.COM Oe ae eC co end ‘Mint began life backin 2006, as an alternative to the then, most Pee me eee ea mtr ear i ‘Support build, Linux Mint took a diferent direction to offer the sera better overall experience. Linux Mint has three main desktop versions available with each Se ee a eer) at first, butit’s quite simple. Currently, Linux Mint uses the Ce ee eee ey MATE and Xfce madels are also availabe. Cee ecm eeen Uses less Fancy graphics butis more stable on a wider variety of Cee he ae desktop environment that i built For speed and ultimate stability. eee een ete eae TU U RUT Keo) De ee eet eae a em ey hhas fluctuated over its fourteer-year life. tone time, t was easily the most used, Linux-based operating system inthe world, sadly, some wrong choices along the way with regards Rees ee eae ra) Ce ee eae ecu cred Mec en Cea a tg ete Oe Shere sae! although itcan be alittle confusing for former Windows users eee ee eee eet different environments and even different distros to see which sults you and your computer best andit’sa little heavy on system resources (especially you plan Perea ec) Cee eae eee err es SN Orit eo and offers the user the complete Linux experience.— # archisone ofthe lomest rung Linux dstrbutionsand 2 Most Linux dstributions lito two camps those withthe ete ails ey sero ae Ear one eeneeor wiciowser ir ups ene Teen install Mint, or Ubuntu when you can install Arch? Many users? with Fewer new features, but rock-solid reliability, like Debian. do exactly that, but it’s not ideal for beginners. Ubuntu and Mint both offer an easier installation path and come with Bree ecce eece) eee eee eed Cee eee bya community, along with SUSE employees. They develop ‘an enterprise-level operating system: SUSE, which powers the London Stock Exchange, amongst other things. Its designed ee een forinscabilty. If youind all hat too sensible, openSUSE Tere eee esi) Tenet era Pe ao ed Ce ae eee ond See a nee eco environments and use them as you would with any other distro. Aacch isa distro for when you're more experienced with Linux. You start with nothing more than the command tine and from there: you manually partition your hard drive, set where the Porn ema) ese eee st ene Ce eee eae (ofits core contributors work on the Linux Kernel, LibreOFFice, Gnome and other key Linux areas. n short: openSUSE is where youll find the pros hanging out. The advantage, forall this hard work, isa distro that you've Fee ea ie elt Seen ET the unnecessary files and apps that other distros have pre- Installed; t's custom made For you, by you Sa SE Ce oes educational resources. Cnc eae Cana the Pi hardware, as the Raspberry Pi Ree Ue gs een eaten has since released a PC version of eet eter ape E> Epeiecteerra en epee petri SOEs aS ts CURE Uae ct: ceca Rei ecmnenn neat 4 measuring not much bigger than a credit card. You can employ _ educational and other apps you will ever need. It’s quick, stable itto build electronics, using a Fully programmable interface and and works superbly. I you're interested in stretching your een ee eet a es et eee eo ere cy ee at nee ce mePe) Coding on Linux : Equipment You Will Need MINTY INGREDIENTS Here's what you'll need to install and run Linux Mint as we work through this book. You have several choices available, so take your time and see which works best for you. The minimum system requirements fr Linux Mint are a folows: cpu ‘TooMH2 RAM 512MB Hard Drive Space 968 (20GB recommended) Monitor 1024x768 resolution Obviously the better the system youhave, the better and quicker E the experience willbe. ‘You can install Linux Mint onto your computer via USB or DVD. Well look into eacha little later on, but if you're already Familiar with the process (or you're thinking of USB and just gathering the hardware you'll need), then you're going to eed a minimum 4CB USB lash drive/stick to cantain the Linux Mint 150, ww bepublicationseomDVD installation of Linux Mint simply requires a blank DVO-R disc. Ofcourse, you'll also need an optical drive a DVD Writer drive) before you're able to transfer, or burn, the ISO image to the disc. Installation to a virtual environment is a favourite method of testing and using Linux distros. Linux Mint works exceedingly ‘well when used in a virtual environment, mare on that later. There are many different vtual environment apps available, however VirwalBox, From Oracles one ofthe easiest. You can ‘getthe latest version rom wwwrvirtualbox.ora QF VirtualBox Equipment You Will Need Iegoes without saying, that an Internet connection i vital For making sure that Linux Mint is resourced with the latest updates and patches, as well asthe installation of further software. Although you don’t need an internet connection to| use Linux Mint, you'll mss out on a wortd of free software available For the distro, Although Linux Mint can be installed onto @ Mac, there's school of thought that recommends Mac owners use a virtual environment, such as VirtualBox or Parallels; and why not, ‘macOS is already a splendid operating system. IFyou're looking to breathe new ife into an older Mac, make sure ts an Inet ‘CPU model and not the Power PC models, However, be aware, its not as painfree as installing on toa PC. vwnebdepublications.omCreating a Linux Installer on Windows You need to transfer the downloaded Linux ISO to either a DVD or a USB key before you can install it to a computer. This will be a live environment, which will allow you to test the OS prior to installation, but first you need to create the bootable media. DVD BOOTABLE MEDIA We're using a Windows 10 PC here to transfer the ISO to @ DVD. As long as you're using a version of Windows from 7 onward, the process is extremely easy. FETED Fisstlocate the 180 image of Linux you've already ETE Right-click the Linux iSO and from the menu select downloaded, n Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 computers, Burn Disc Image. Depending on the speed of the PC, yyou'l usually find this in the Downloads Folder unless, when saving _It may take afew seconds before anything happens. Don't worry too It, you've speafied a diferent location. ‘much, unless i takes more than a minute, in which case it might be . worth restarting your PC and trying again, With luck, the Windows Ne Disc Image Burner should launch, Cui acces, linaoint181-innsmon-6tbt £3 Dropbox (Tem 60M Mount & Onediive Burn disc image Bthisec [GZ Scan with Windows Defender... © CO dvive (E) Hisuite 1@ Share Open with 1 Neoor B Open with WinkAR B Addto archive.. BTR ext insert arecordable DVD discinto your FTE With the windows Disc image Bummer dialogue box computer's optical dive, After a few seconds, while ‘open, click on the Verify disc after burning’ tick the disc is read, Windows will display pop-up message asking you box Followed by the Burm button. The process should take a few ‘what to do with the newly inserted disc ignore this as we're going minutes, éepending on the speed of your PC's optical drive. Once tose the builtin image bung Function, is complete, it wll run through the verification stage and when done, the optical drive should auto-eject the disc for you. et)Creating a Linux Installer on Windows. eal USB BOOTABLE MEDIA USB media is Faster than a DVD andit's often more convenient as most modern PCs don't have an optical drive installed. The process of transferring the image is easy, but you'll need a third-party app first and a USB Flash drive of 4GB or more. First, open upa web Eee When you're ready, click on the Start button at the bottom of the Rufus app. This may open up another dialogue box asking you to download and use a new version browser and go to (of SysLinux. SysLinux is a selection of boot loaders used toallow a https:/rufus.akeo. ‘modern PC to access and boot from a USB Nash drive tis necessary, ie/-Scroll down the sof asked, click on Yes’ to continue, page litle and youtl ‘come toa Download heading, under which you'l'see the latest ‘Thisimage uses Sysieux6.03/20151222 but this aplication cnly includes theinstalaton Fes for Sysinue 503/201-1008 version of Rufus. As ne vesone of Stina are nt compatible wth one anothetandit Lef-clck on the link to ‘wouldtbe possible for Rufus to include them all wo addtional les start the download. must be downleaded fom the Interne (idinucay and dine bas "Select Veto connect tothe ntemet and downloud these fee Select Neto cancethe operation Note:The ies wl be downloaden the cuert appiation directory and willbe reed automaticaly if pest. Pesce =o The next step asks in whichimage mode do ou Drive Properties ————— want the Linux ISO to be written to the USB Flash Doubledckthe men ~ ve. Bothmethods work ferent shuatons ut genera, he downloaded Rufus eatin sicmenenerenmiies =) recommended 1SO ‘Image Mode is the more popular. Make sure this fevecutableyoucen —“SiaisTugmmiaas =) © | muse tOdeis preselected andcick‘OK to continue, floured by OK’ acest. ss agalnto cone aon. Windows security bo 2 eseremrssao ee at mogteeaad tocheckingfor FexmatOptore Updates wth Rufus “et Chanda vat coh nee ease lavncheditshould gene Sa ee have ateadyidentited i ——— eee arian anes ee Scan Fash eve (not ust | Stuy ree oa ee remove and reinsert). oe © Wite in 1S0 Image mode (Recommended) ae on | Owe hooepane Actstlance the Rufsintertace can ook ite rd am confusing, don worry though, ks realy cue eS a single. Tobegin wth clckonthe SELECT button nest tothe Dik TheLnixBOisnow Magee 7 ‘FSO Image (Please Select’ pull Sermtnstatcrerce: “2 devewandthe PC. During_fom™at Optone Sc tan theprecesyoumaytind Momma Rufus will auto-open the fae»men “ite se USB drive in Windows =e = Senn Pea _=. Explorer, don't worryyou * Sevseensttenentens can minimise or close it ayaa iyouwant Clekonthe er once | tone so SS5e_precesiscommite. =, Coding on Linux Installing Linux on a PC UEFI BIOS ‘The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEF) is used to identify hardware and protect a PC during its boot-up process. It replaces the traditional BIOS, but can cause issues when installing Linux. insert your DVD or USB flash drive into your PC and SAD yo. havent avedy, shutdown windows. a this instance, we're using the USB boot media but the process is virtually Identical. Star the PC and when prompted press the appropriate keysto enter the BIOS or SETUP; these could be, For exam, F2 Del or even F12. ‘There are different versions of a UEFI BIOS, so covering them all would be impossible. What you're looking for sa section that detals the Boot Sequence or Boot Mode. Here you'll have the option to turn off UEFl and choose Legacy, oF disable Secure Booting, Most distros work with UEFI but ican be a tricky process to enable it to boot, With UEFI turned to Legacy mode, there are now BL 0s rooting nto the Live Emirorment The Firsts via the 8105 you're already in. Locate the Boot Sequence and change the firs boot device from its original setting, usually Internal HDD or similar, to: USB Storage Device for the US mecia option; or DVD Drive, for the DVO media option ro erent nn Pt eae rst owe device pears FETS DD “teratively use the Boot Option Menus With this option, you can press F¥2 (or something similar) to display alist of boot media options; from there, you can choose the appropriate boot media, Ether way, you can now Save and Exit the BIOS by navigating to the Save & Exit option and choosing Save ‘Changes and Exit. Network boot from AMD An79C370A Hard Drive “Renovable Devices INSTALLING LINUX (_ Installing Linux ona PC jeg (Once the Live Environment has booted, you will see the option to install the distro to your computer. Have a look around and when you're ready, look for the Install option on the desktop. FERRED ovina youre connected tothe internet (Ft, then do sono) and youre in the Live Environment, start the instalation process by double-clicking onthe install Linux Mint icon on the desktop. Other distros wil display their own name, of course, butthe process the same, Click Continue when you're ready. FSTEEED Wile the installation processis very similar across most Linux istros, some offer different questions during the installation. Generally, the questions arent too ifficul, or technical, but some such as ‘Installing third-party software. can be confusing n this case, you can click Continue, butif you're unsure, have an Internet-connected device avallable to ask any questions PEEP Gefore the installation process begins, you're asked ifthe choice you made regarding the erasure of the hard drive is correct. This is your last chance to back out. IFyou're certain you don’t mind wiping everything and starting again with Linux Mint, click Continue, Ifyou need to back up your files remove the Linux diso/USB, reboot, back up and start again, BETES fventvally you willbe asked to set up your Linux Username and password. Enter your Name to begin with, then Computer Name - which isthe name used to identify ion the network. Next, choose a Username, followed by a goad Password, You can tick the Login Automatically option, but leave the Encrypt Home Folder option for now. EED ‘When installing a new operating system it's recommended that you wipe the old 0S, replacing it with the new. When you reach this stage ofthe installation process, ensure the ‘Erase cisk and install Linux...’ option is selected, NOTE: This will completely wipe Windows 10 from your computer; make sure you have backups ofall your personal files and data, BETES The installation process can be quick and there may be more questions to answer, or it may simply start instaling Linux based on your previous ansivers. Either way, you will, tend up being asked to Continue Testing the Live Environment, or Restarting to use the newly installed 0S. Fyou're ready to use Linux, then click Restart Now. ww bdmpubliations.com4a) Coding on Linux Installing a Virtual Environment GOING VIRTUAL Using a Virtual Machine (VM) will take resources from your computer: memory, hard drive space, processor usage and so on. So make sure you've got enough of each before commencing, FOTERE DD We're using VirtualBox in thisinstance, as t's one of the easiest virtual environments to get to grips with Enter www.virtualbox.org and click on ‘Download VirtualBox’. This will take you tothe main download page, Locate the correct host Foryour system: Windows or Mac the Host the current installed ‘operating system and click the link to begin the download FSP Next, while stil atthe VirtualBox download page, locate the VirtualBox Extension Pack link, The Extension Pack supports USB devices, as well as numerous other extras that can help make the VM environment a more accurate emulation ofa ‘reat’ computer. ¥ VirtualBox FETED) With the correct packages downloaded, before ‘we install anything, we need to make sure that the computer you're using is able to host a VM. To do this, reboot the computer and enter the BIOS, As the computer stats up, press the Del, F2, or whichever key is necessary to Enter Setup. ‘As each BIOSis aid out differently, it’s very dificult to assess where to look in each personal example. However, asa general rule of thumb, you're looking For Intel Virtualisation Technology, or simply Virtualisation, usually within the Advanced section ofthe BIOS. When you've located it, Enable it, settings, exicthe BIOS and reboot the computesFER asc cng sein oansnonea ae ‘double-click to begin the installation process. Click Next to continue, when you're ready. , Coding on Linux Getting Ready to Code in Linux TAKING COMMAND ‘The command line is at the core of Linux and when you program with it, this is called scripting. These are self-contained programs designed to be run in the Terminal FEED the Terminal is where you begin your journey with Linux, through the command tine and thus any scripting from. n Linux Mint, itcan be accessed by clicking on the Menu Followed by the Terminal con in the panel, or entering "Terminal into the search bar. eee ti or Eee The Terminal will give you access to the Linux Mint Shell, called BASH; this ives you access to the underlying operating system, which is why scripting is such @ powerful language to learn and use. Everything in Mint, and Linux as whole, including the desktop and GUI, is module running from the commandline. Fle Eat View Search Terminal Help ww bepublicationseom FERED What you curentiyseein the Terminalis your login, name followed by the name of the computer, as you named itwhen you first installed the OS on to the computer. The line then ends with the current Folder name; at Fst ths isjusta tide (© ,which means your Home folder. CEVEt TC EVEC RT bt ESTED The lashing cursor atthe very end of the tines were your text-based commands wil be entered. You can begin to experiment with a simple command, Print Working Directory (pwd), which will utputto the screen the current Folder ‘you're in. Type: pd and press Enter Fle Eat View Search Terminal HelpFERED) 4 the commands you enter will workin the same ‘manner. You enter the command, include any parameters to extend the use ofthe command and press Enter to execute the command tine youve entered. Now type: uname —a ‘and press Enter. This will display information regarding Linux Mint. In scripting, you can use ll the Linux commandline commands within your own scripts. File Edit View Search Terminal Help HERE BE DRAGONS! (_ Getting Ready to Code in Linux (peg PPT he list of available Linux commands is vast, with some simply returning the current working directory, while others are capable of deleting the entire system in aninstant. Getting to know the commands is pa of learning how to script. By using the wrong command, you could tend up wiping your computer. Type compgen =c to view the available commands. dovidedaviermint Fle Edt View Search Terminal Hep ‘There's an urban myth on the Internet that an employee at Disney Pixar nearly ruined the animated movie Toy Story by inadvertently entering the wrong Linux command and deleting the entire system the film was stored on. Having accessto the Terminal means you're bypassing the GUI desktop method of working ‘with the system, The Terminals afar more powerful environment than the desktop, which has several safeguards in place in case you accidentally delete all your work, such as Rubbish Bin to recover doleted files. PETER However, the Terminal doesnt offer that luxury. you were to access a folder with Files within via the ‘Terminal and then enter the command: xm *.* al the file in that folder would be instantly deleted. They won't appear inthe Rubbish Bin ether, theyre gone for good, david@david-mint ~/Mt File Edit View Search Terminal Help always a good idea to workin the PETER Therefore Terminal using a two-pronged approach. Firs, use the desktop to make regular backups of the folders you're working In when in the Terminal. This way, should anything go wrong, there's € quick and handy backup waiting For you. Second, research before blindly entering a ‘command youve seen on the Internet f you see the command: sudo , Coding on Linux Creating Bash Scripts —Part 1 GET SCRIPTING ‘A.Bash script is simply a series of commands that Mint will run through to complete a certain task. They can be simple or remarkably complex, it all depends on the situation, FOTSSE DD You'llbe working within the Terminal and with a BETS DD To devin with, and before you start to write any text editor throughout the coming pages. There Scripts, you need to create a folder where you can are alternatives tothe text editor, which welllookatinamoment put allourscriptsinto. Start with akaiir scripts, and enterthe butforthe sake of ease, we'll be doing our examples in Xed. Before folder cd scripts. Tis willbe our working folder and from here you begin, however, run through the customary update check: eto you can create sub-folders if you want ofeach script you create, apt-get update es sudo apt-get upgrade. use of Xedis purely due to making it easier to read the script in the _isanextension-less operating systern but the canvention isto give screenshots you see below. scripts sh extension, Fie Edt Vien Search Terminal Hel ww bepublicationseom