Development Environment Setup

Introduction

The first question at hand is what all is a part of our development environment. Broadly anything which is directly useful or instrumental in our development process can be counted as a part of our environment and setup. So let's begin by structuring the problem and figuring out what all elements we want to tweak to perfection before getting started.

- computer system -

First we want to make sure that we're using the right (or an effective) system for development.

- Tools on the system -

Next we want to make sure that we have the best tools available on the system:
  - package managers - This software will help us install all the requisite software for development, as well as in keeping the software up to date.
  - text editors - To make the process of writing code as easy as possible.
  - terminal - To ensure that the process of running and improving the code is smooth. Usually a compiler and debugger is critical to understand, in the environment between a text editor and the terminal. However, our text editor will have this functionality wrapped into it.
  - git - Helps keep track of different versions of code and collaborate with a large team of coders.
  - web browsers - To help with testing the code thoroughly and quickly.
  - online resources for development - Without a little help from the internet, 5 minute processes can go on for hours or days.
  - note taking apps - This is not instrumental for development in general. However, for my purpose, where taking notes of what I'm learning (of coding or elsewhere) is an important part of my coding, this becomes a central part of my setup.
 

- accessories to the computer system -

Finally, there are other devices and accessories which can add some power to our development process.