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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
105 views76 pagesCoding and Programming Tricks and Tips Ed19 2024 Freemagazines Top
Coding and Programming Tricks and Tips Ed19 2024 Freemagazines Top
Uploaded by
pytlesiaCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
/ 76
Coding
prog nmin
___ Advanced guides
Fs Everything you need to
Cle Cite Ty a1 . °
rete scales master essential coding
and programming skills
We share our
Eure lire
ET cy ace oO
SO CRT ag
Next level fixes
and secrets help
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UAL ee
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tech, but you can now SAVE 25% off all of our coding
and consumer tech digital and print guidebooks!
Simply use the following exclusive code at checkout:
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www.pclpublications.com ALES
& TIPS
Coding
Programming
Coding and Programming Tricks & Tips is the perfect digital
publication for the user that wants to take their skill set to
the next level. Do you want to enhance your user
experience? Or wish to gain insider knowledge? Do you
want to learn directly from experts in their field? Learn the
numerous short cuts that the professionals use? Over the
pages of the new advanced user guide you will learn
everything you will need to know to become a more
confident, better skilled and experienced
owner. A user that will make the
absolute most of their use and
ultimately their coding skills
themselves. An achievement
you can earn by simply
enabling us to exclusively
help and teach you the
abilities we have gained over
our decades of experience.
Over the page
our journey conti
and we wil be ih
Al every stage to advive
intern and ultimately 4
‘spite you to
90 Further. 8 _Whatisa Batch File? 24 Why Linux?
10 Getting Started with Batch Files 26 The Best Linux Distributions
12. Getting an Output 28 Equipment You will Need
14 Playing with Variables 30 Creating a Linux installer on Windows
16 Batch File Programming 32 _ Installing Linux on a PC
18 Loops and Repetition 34 Installing a Virtual Environment
20 Creating a Batch File Game 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
2 )) Code Projects and Ideas
54 Planning your Code
56 Finding Resources
58 Creatinga Loading Screen
Planning a Text Adventure
Text Adventure Script
Retro Coding
Text Animations
Common Coding Mistakes
seaess
Python Beginner's Mistakes
C++ Beginner's Mistakes of
mt
~
ea
hat par
———— Coding with
— Windows 10
Batch Files
Did you know that Windows has its own built-
in scripting language? Batch files have been
Pen ue eta neue
NCS Ree ei en alas
Windows’ modern graphical user interface,
they are still there and still just as capable as.
Cee nse ore
T
mi
a
Batch file programming is a skill that system
administrators still use, so it’s worth spending
a bit of time learning how they work, and
Rosie ne Oe eum ee ttn
introduces batch files, and covers user
eset Rue esa cue rc)
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 at a time, much in the 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 its an executable file, in this case, a script.
Batch files have been around since the eaiest versions of Microsoft line in turn loading programs that would activate the mouse or
105. Although not exclusively 8 Microsoft scripting fil, batch files optical drive into the memory areas assigned by the Config.sys File
‘are mainly associated with Microsoft's operating systems. Inthe
early days, when aPC booted into aversion of DOS (which produced The DOS user ofthe day could optto create different Autoexec
2a simple command prompt when powered up), the batch fle was at files depending on what they wanted to do. For example, F
Used in the farm of asystem file called Autaexec bat. Autoexec. they wanted to playa game and have as much memory available
bat wasa script that automatically executed (hence Autoexec) as possible, they'd create a Config ys and Autoexec.bat set of files
‘commands once the operating system had finished dealing with the that loaded the bare minimum of drivers and so on. Irthey needed
Config.sys file ‘access to the network, an Autoexec bat file could be created to
\when a user powert
up their DOSS:
computer, and once the
Shad finished checking
the system memory
{and 50 0n, 008 would
look tothe Config.sys
file to load any specif
display requirements
a are drivers,
allocate them a slot in the
available memory, assign
‘any memory managers
and tell the system where
the Command.com ile,
which the command line
for DOS, was,
‘Once it had done that, then
the Autoexec.bat ile took
‘over and an through each
The Autoexec bat file was
‘aPC user's First experience
with abateh file. .
wow pdpuiatonscam Batch files are plain text and often created using Notepad.
Batch files were often used as utility programs, tohelp users with
complex tasks.
(oad the network card driver and automatically gain access tothe
network, Each of these uni ould be loaded on toa
\oppy disk and booted as and when required by the user
setups
‘The Autoexec.bat was the first such file many users came across in
heir PC omputing lives since many had come from a 16-bit
‘or even &-bit background: remember, this was the late eighties
and early nineties. The batch file was the user's primary tool for
automating tasks, creating shortcuts and adventure games and
anslating complex processes into something ar simpler.
ys however, a batch file isnt just for loading in divers and
when the PC boots. You can use a batch fle in the same way
{as any other scripting language file, in that you can program to
ask For user input and display the results on the
ito locally or network attach
You
can mpare
date stamps and only back up the most recently changed content as
well as pragram the scrit to do al this automatically, Batch Files are
emarkably powerful and despite them not being as commonly used
2s they were during the older days of DOS, they are stil
‘canbe wtlsed even inthe latest version of Windows 10; and can be
{8 complex or simple as you want
‘So what do you need to start batch file programming in W
Jel, as ong as you have Windows 10, or any older version of
;indows for that matter, you can star batch fie programming
immediately. All you need isto be able to open Noten: et to
he command prampt af Windows. We shaw you how it ll works, so
ead on
What is a Batch File?
BATCH FILE POWER
Justlike any other programming interface that can directly
interrogate and manipulate the system, batch files require
a certain amount of care when programming. I's hard to
damage your system with abateh il, asthe more important
elements ofthe modern Windows system are protected by
the User Account Control (UAC) security; UAC works by only
allowing elevated privileges access to important system files.
Therefore ifyou create a batch fie that somehow deletes a
system fll, the UAC activates and stop the pc
However, you're working in the command prompt with
elevated privileges to begin with, asthe Administrator, then
the UAC won't question the batchfileand continue regardless
cof what files are being delet
That said, you're not likely to
ate a batch ie that
onally wipes out your operating system, There are
system controls in place to help prevent that; but it's worth
mentioning as there are batch files available onthe Internet
that contain malicious code designed to create problems.
‘Much ikea virus, a rogue batch file (when executed with
inisrator privileges) can cause much mayhem and system
damage. In short, don’t randomly execute any batch file
downloaded from the Internet as an Administrator, without
First reviewing whatit does.
You can learn more about batch files in the coming pa
don't worry too much about destroying your system with o
All thisjust demonstrates how powerful the humble batch file
canbe,
You can create complex batch files or simple ones that display
‘ASCIlimages on screen.
ww pgubieatons com 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.
‘here you ar at the moment in the system. inthis case, that's your
—— Home directory that Windows assigns every userthatlogsin. You
= an navigate by using the CD command (Change Directory). Try
he Windaws Star button and
enter CMD into the search box.
FETED The prompt should change and display
Documents this means you're in the Documents
Command Prompt window isrt much to look at ta begin with but directory. Now, create anew directory call Batch Files, Enter
you can see the Microsoft Windows version number and copyright
information followed by the prompt itself. The prammpt details the
current directory or folder you're in, together with your username,
E=D Click on the search result labell
(Desktop App) and a new window pop:
the quotations because without them, Windows crea
and Files, Now change directory into the
7 newly created Batch Files
‘You wor't need the quotes to change directories
wow pdpuiatonscam PEPTIEDD Now thatyouhave the directory set up, where you
store your batch files, ere is how you can create
‘one. Leave the command prompt window open and click on the
\Windows Start button again. This time enter Notepad and click on
the search result to open the Notepad program. Notepad isa simple
text editor but ideal For creating batch scripts with,
To create your Fist batch fie, enter the Following
into Notepad:
echo Hello World!
By default, abatch file displays allthe commands that itruns
through, line by line. What the @echo off command does is turn
that Feature off for the whole scrint; with the ‘@ (at) sign to apply
that command toitself,
When saving anything in Notepadthe default
extensionis txt, to denote atext file, However, you
want the extension to be bat. Click on File > Save As and navigate
to the newly created Batch Files directory in Documents Click the
drop-down menu Save as Type, and select Al Files From the menu. In
File Name, cll the file Test.bat
( Getting Started with Batch Files
PPD beck atthe command prompt window, enter:
{i again to list the newly created Test.bat fie.
By the way, the wv part of dirfw means the files are listed across
the screen as opposed to straight down, Enter dir if you want
{although you need more files to view) butts considered easier to
read with the /w flag,
BSTED To execute the batch file you'vejust created, simply
eter its name, Test, n the command prompt
‘window. You don't need to add the bat part, as Windows recognises
itasan executable file, and the only one with that particular name in
the current directory. Press return and see how you're greeted with
Hello World! in the command prompt
‘The echo command displays whatever i after it
SEP to the screen. Right-click the Test.bat file From
Windows Explorer and select Edit to add more echo commands if
you like Try this:
Becho off
echo Hello World!
echo This is my first batch Me
echo With a blank line between!
Remember to save each new change to the batch fle _
<>) Coding with Windows 10 Batch Files)
Getting an Output
Cae de] c laa Ue Recep Ke ane eae CALA e et eae ice
the echo command in the batch file, it’s not very useful at the moment, or interactive
for that matter. Let's change up a gear and get some output.
INPUT, OUTPUT
Batch files are capable of taking a normal Windows command and executing it, while also adding extra options and Flags in to
the equation.
SSR un ecctomanccsne
View, Start with the @echo off command and under that add:
dir “e:\usere\YOURNAME\Documents\Batch Files”
ce: \users\YOURNAME\Aixview. txt
Substitute YOURNAME with your Windows username.
‘The new ine uses the dir command to list the
contents ofthe directory Batch Files, in your Home
directory, dumping the output toa text file called ai rview. txt in
the root of your Home directory. Ths is done, so thatthe Windows
LUAC doesn't require elevated permissions, as everything isin your
‘own Home area, Save and run the batch fi.
Youhaveno doubt notcedthat there isno
SUEPS indication that the batch File worked as there's.
no meaningful ouput onthe screen, However ou now open
Explorer and browse oc: \Users\YOURNAME, remembering
Subst YOURE with your windowsusermame, and dole
chk thedirview. txt fle you can see the batch les output
PEP vou want to automate the task of opening the
text file that contains the output, add the following
line to the batch Fle
notepad .exe ¢+\users\YOURNAME\di view. txt
‘Save the Fle and ance again run fram the command prompt. This
time, it creates the output and automaticaly opens Notepad with
the output contents. OUTPUT WITH VARIABLES
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 file and callit name.bat. Start
with the @écho off command, then add the
set /p nane- What is your name?
echo Hello, Snane¥
Note: there's a space after the question mark. Thsisto make it look
‘neater on the screen, Save it and run the batch fie
The set fp name creates avarable cle name,
sue with the /p part indicating that an ‘=prompt string’
Is tofollow. The Set command displays, sets of removes system
and environmental variables. For example, while in the command
‘prompt window enter:
To view the current system variables. Note the name= variable we
justcreated,
Variables stored with Set can be called with the
SWVARIABLENAME% syntax In the batch file, we
sed the newiy created %name' syntax to call upon the contents of
the variable called name. Your username, for example, isstored as 8
variable, Try this ina batch File
echo Hello, USERNAMES
What are you doing?
TWstsextremely seul you want tocreate a
SERS ‘unique, personal batch file that automatically runs
when user logs into Windows Using the defeut systems varabes
that windows sel rates, you can make a bath fle tat gets
each user
Becho off
echo Hello,
USERNAMES,
Thanks for
ogaing in. Currently the network
erating at 10088 efficiency.
fur Home dire
ry is located at: SHOMEPATHS
cho The computer name you're logged in to ist
SCOMPUTERNAME
echo.
PEPISPM seve and execute the batch file changes; you can
‘overwrite and stil use name.bat iFyou want. The
batch file takes the current system variables and reports them
‘accordingly, depending on the user's login name and the name of
the computer. Note: the double percent symbol means the percent
sign wil be displayed, and isnot avariable
Alternatively, you can run the batch file and display
ton the user's desktop as a text file
Becho off
Hello, SUSERNAMES. > ci SHOMEPATHS\user. txt
>> cHSHOMEPATHS\user. txt
‘echo Thanks for logging in. Currently the network
# operating at 100% efficiency. >> c:¥HOMEPATHEN,
echo, >> ¢:4HOMEPATHE\User. txt
echo Your Hone directory ig located at: $HOMEPATIE
>> cHHHOMEPATHE\user. txt
echo The computer name you're logged in to is:
SCOMPUTERNAMES >> c# SHOMEPATHS\user. txt
>> erMHOMEPATHS\ueer. txt
notepad c+8HoMEPATHS\user. txt
‘The > outputs to a new file called usertxt, while the >> adds the
lines within the fie 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.
BED ricer eeiecerictsoasoccot TER onc
with the @echo off command. Begin by clearing of any directory and
splays the contents
ostitas atextfileto the user's
the command prompt screen and displaying alist of the current screen, Add the Following to the list bat batch File:
directories on the computer os
remy ist txt ew?
type 1 et nter al der)
PETER Seve and execute the batch file. within the Be \h2tshappening here isthe batch file asks the use
‘command prompt you can see the contents ofall ‘0 enter any ofthe directories displayed inthe listt
he files and directories from the root ofthe C:\ drive; andasany generated, inthe form of ‘e\directory’. Providing the user enters
ser under Windows has permission to see this, there's no UAC valid directory, its contents are displayed asa text file, We created
elevated privileges requir the view variable here along with %&HOMEPATH%s, ta store the input
wow pdpuiatonscam “ Playing with Variables
FEPTIED stays 2 good idea, when creating text files PEED ':s:221 of let clicking on the Command Prompt
forthe user to temporarily view, ta clean up after
result, as you dd the Fist time you opened it,
yourself, There's nathing worse than having countless, random right-lickit and From the menu choose Run as Administrator. There
text files cluttering up the Filesystem, That being the case, let's isa rskthat you could damage system files asthe Administrator
clear up with butas long as you're careful and don't do anything beyond viewing
= directories, you willbe okay.
del /0 view.txt
del /Q list.txt
echo All files deleted. Syatem clean, =D ®e Fiters
Best match
FRE Command Prompt
© Run as administrator
se
Open file location
£
“8 Pinto Start
FETTER The additions to the batch file simply clear the ance
‘command prompt window (using the cls command)
and delete both the view.txt andlist.tt files that were created by
the batch file. The @ flag inthe del command means it deletes — ssusesessnscssssseeessusessneceesnnee
the files without any user input or notification, The final message im
ee eee ESTED Tisaction triggers the UAC warning message,
asking you If you're sure you want to run the
‘windows command prompt withthe elevated Administrator
privileges. Most ofthe time we wouldn't recommend this course
(of action: the UAC is there to protect your system. In this case,
however, click ¥es.
‘User Account Control
sree sii ew
zoo ae
your system is configured,
anata oy rashes ntfs
directory information am rms
atalloramessage — is
stating Access Denied sea appt os
Thisis because the UAC P na PRET R with the uacactive, the command prompt looks
Is blocking accessto alittle diferent. For starters it'smow defaulting
protected areas of the to the C\WINDOWS\system32 Folder and the top of the windows is
system, lke c\Windows labelled Administrator. To run the batch file, you need to navigate to
(or CAProgram Files. the Batch Files directory with: ed \Users\USERNAME\Documents\,
‘Therefore, you need to Batch Files. Tohelp, press the Tab key to auto-complete the
run the batch file as an directory names.
‘Administrator, Click the
\Windows Start button and
enter CMD again. It's the little additions we can make to a batch file that help it stand out and ultimately
become more useful. While the Windows graphical interface is still king, the command
Ui KecUNeloM teem T Maen keane Ce
SEARCHING FOR FILES
Here's an interesting little batch file that you can easily extend For your own use. It asks the user For a file type to search For
and displays the results.
\We are introducing 3 couple of new commands
into the mixhere but we think they're really useful.
Create a new batch file called seek bat and init put:
aecho off
els
color 2
echo Please enter the type of file you want to
search for (MP3,
echo.
Doc, JPG for example)
‘The new command inthis instance is color
(Americanised spelling). Color, as you already
‘assume, changes the colour ofthe command prompt display. The
color attributes are specified by two hex dls, the fist corresponds
to the background colour of the Command console and the second
to the Foreground, and can be any of the Following values:
O=Black 8=Grey
1=Blue 9 =Light Blue
2=Green A= Light Green
3= Aqua Light Aqua
4=Red Light Red
5=Purple D=Light Purple
6= Yellow E= Light Yellow
7=White F = Bright White
PRTTTEDD (ow let'sextend the seek bat batch fie:
Becho 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=
where /R c:\ #.Rext¥ > found.txt
notepad.exe found. txt
cls
color
del /0 found.txt
‘Another new command, Where, looks fora specific
file or directory based on the user's requirements.
In this case, we have created a blank variable called ext that the user
‘anenter the filetype in, which then searches using Where and
‘dumps the resultsina text file called found.txt. Save and run the
bateh fle. CHOICE MENUS
Creat
Here's some code to help you understand how it all works.
eacho off
els
choice /M “Do you want to continue? Y/N"
Af errorlevel 2 goto N
if errorlevel 1 goto ¥
goto End:
SR vangoc cou esse nro scvccios
By
echo.
fecho You chose No. Goodbye.
goto End
You chose Yes. Hello
The outptfromyour choke sdferent depending on
SuPS whether you pick ¥ or N. The :End part simply signifies
theend the aso known as £07 ithut tte batch le uns
througheachlne and dpa the response een yee so}
import to emir Plow your ot comand
Batch File Programming Ei”
19 a menu of choices isa classic batch file use and a good example to help expand your batch file programming skills.
orLevels are essentially variables and the /M
switch of Choice allows a descriptive message string
tobe displayed. Extend this menu with something new:
Becho oft
cla
echo.
echo
echo.
echo
Please choose a directory.
echo.
‘echo Pri
2 for e:\Music
echo.
echo Pri
echo.
echo
echo.
echo
echo.
echo
choice /c 1234
Af errorlevel
2 for €:\Documents
Press 3 for ¢:\pictures
Press 4 for ¢:\wideos
4 goto Videos
Af errorlevel 3 goto Pictures
goto Documents
1 goto Music
Af errorlevel 2
Af errorlevel
FETED) vow add the Goto sections:
Videos
D HOMEPATH®\Videos
‘echo You axe now in the Videos directory.
‘goto End
Pictures
cle
cD SHOMEPATHE\Pictures
echo You are now in the Pictures directory,
goto End
cls
CD SHOMEPATHS\Documents
‘echo You
goto End
re now in the Documents directory
music
CD $HOMEPATHE\ Music
echo you axe now in the Music din
‘goto End
tend
BEA When executed the batch file displays a menuand with,
each choice the code changes drectoryto the onethe
user entered, The HOMEPATH% system variable wil enter the curently
logged in users Music Pictures and so directories, and not anyone else's,
7 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.
oe ED ry ctcteroproocr ods to ee or bop
Try this example instea
imeout: /T 1 /nobreak > nu:
breakngit
se ea
For, then the /L switch, which
handles a range of numbers.
ven the parameter labelled a
‘49%n to denote a number. Then
the in (1,199) part, which tell,
the statement how to count
asin 1 (start number), 1 (steps
totake}, 99 (the end number)
The next partis do, meaning DO
whatever command is after
BED The count,
bat code
starts at number one and
counts, sraliing down the
screen, until it reaches 100.
The Timeout command
leaves 3 one second gap
tween numbers and the
Else statement continues
‘ntl the counter variable
equals 100 before going to
he eof (End OF File), thus
closing the loop.
wow pdpuiatonscam You can inclu
easily enough within the far simpler For loop by
‘adding multiple commands after the Do Far loop, The brackets and
‘ampersand 8) separate the different commands. Try ths:
for /L ¥8n in (1,1,99) do (echo ¥8n 6 timeout /T 4
fnobreak > nul)
BETTER) re ofthe areat time saving uses of batch flesis to
create multiple, numbered files. Assume that you
want twenty five text files within a directory, all numbered from 1 to
25.AFor loop much ike the previous example does the trick:
@echo of
for /L ¥en in (1,1,25) do copy nul ¥an.txt
PEPISEAD you open Windows Explorer, and navigate to the
Batch Files directory where you're working from,
you can now see 25 text files all neatly numbered, OF course, you
can append the file name with something like user1.txt and so.on by
altering the code to read
RENE
7 88m in (2,1,25) do
py nul Usersin.txt
‘There are different ways of using the For oop. In
this example, the code creates 26 directories, one
alphabet, within the directory c\test which the
for each etter oft
batch file makes using the MD command:
Becho off
FOR $8F IN (@,b,6,d,6,£,9.h04,J0ke1sM,N,0,P. des
8,t,0,VeW,X,¥.2) DO (nd C:\test\$¥E)
copscan be powerful and extremely useful
SHEP) ‘elements in a batch file, While creating 26
directories may nt sound too hel, magne having to create
1000 ures ona network and asgn each one the oun se of
unique sectors, Tsts where abatnflesavesan immense
mount oF me
FERED Stould you ever get stuck when using the various
commands within abatch file, drop into the
command prampt and enter the command Followed by a question
switch, For example, For /? orf 2. You get an on-screen help fil
Getaliing the commands’ use. For east
‘or /2 > forhelp.txt Coding with Windows 10 Batch Files
Creating a Batch File Game
Based on what you've looked at
so far with batch files, you can
probably come up with your own
simple text adventure or multiple-
eee ee Ma eee ela
ere teVei elke ica)
edit and make your own.
Make up your own questions buthow about also
including an introductory or loading screen? Make your
loading screen ina separate batch file and save tas
screens.bat (for example). Then, from the main game
batch le, you can load at the beginning ofthe File
with the ‘all command followed by colour to reset
the game's colours:
Call screens.bat
set /a scores
set /a question=0
fet /p nanos What is your nano?
wow pdpuiatonscam
echo off
cis
set /a score=0
sot /a question=0
‘set /p nane= What is your name?
Press 1 to get started
Press 2 for instructions
Press Q to quit
choice /c 129
if errorlevel 3 goto :eof
Af errorlevel 1 goto Gane
cls
echo.
echo.
‘echo The instructions are simple, Answer the
echo.
‘echo
cls
goto monn
sot /a question=tquestiont#1
Af tquestiont ==5 (goto end) else (echo you are on
‘question 'questiont)
echo get ready for the question.
‘echo.
timeout /F 5 /nobreak > nul
Af tquestiont ==5 (goto end) else (goto tquestion®)
cls
echo.
echo. ‘echo Your current score is tscoret
‘echo.
cho sHtittesseneennenaetsetensent
‘echo.
‘echo.
‘echo Question ‘questions.
‘echo.
‘echo Which of the following version of Windows is the
best?
‘echo.
‘echo A. Rindows 10
‘echo.
‘echo B. Windows ME
‘echo.
‘echo C. Windows Vista,
‘echo.
choice /C abe
Lf ezrorlevel 3 goto wrong
Af errorlevel 2 goto wrong
Af errorlevel 1 goto correct
2
cls
‘echo.
Se
‘echo.
‘echo Your current score is tscoret
‘echo.
(aco sevscieesassavesvesiseressests
‘echo Which of the following version of Windows is the
most stable?
echo,
‘echo A. Rindows 10
‘echo.
‘echo B. Windows 95
‘echo.
‘echo C. Windows ME
‘echo.
choice /c abe
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2
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‘echo.
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‘echo.
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‘echo.
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‘echo.
‘echo Which of the following Windows version is the
Latest?
‘echo.
‘echo A. Windows 10
‘echo.
‘echo B. Windows 98
‘echo.
‘echo C. Windows 7
‘echo.
choice /C abe
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4
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echo.
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fecho Which of the following Windows uses DirectX 12?
echo.
fecho A. Windows 10
echo.
fecho B. Windows 3.12
‘echo.
fecho C. Windows XP
echo.
choice /C abe
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Af errorlevel 2 goto wrong
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rong
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echo.
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Linux is such a versatile operating system that’s
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and mainstream programming languages are
available on Linux, as they are on Windows
and macOS, Linux also utilises its own coding
= language, called scripting.
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Fey Coding on Linux
Why Linux?
FREE AND OPEN
Linuxis a 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 address s that there is no basic operating
system called Linux. Fundamentally, Linux the operating system
keel the core component of an 05, When talking about Linux we
‘en Fact, referring to one ofthe many distributions, or distros,
{that use the inuxkemel No doubt you've heard of atleast one oF
the current popular dstras: Ubuntu, Linux Mine, Fedora, openSUSE,
Debian, Raspbian...the ist oes on, Each one ofthese distros offers
the user something aUttleciferent. while each has the Linux kernel at
its core, they oer a differen looking desktop environment, diferent
preloaded applications, diferent ways in which to update the system
‘and get more apps installed anda sighty different look and feel
throughout the entire system, However atthe centre les Linux, which
Is why we ay Linux.
Linuxis a great operating system in
which to start coding,
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Lux works very differently to Windows or macOS. For a star's
Freeto download, Free to install nas many computers asyou tke,
Freeto use for an unlimited amount oftime and free to upgrade
‘and extend with equally Free programs and applications. This Freeto
Use element sone ofthe biggest draws fr the developer. While a
‘windows lcense can cost upto £100 and a Mac considerably more,
‘user be they a developer, gamer, or someone who wants to put an
‘older computer to use, can quickly download a distro and get to work
in a matter of minutes.
‘Alongside the fee to use aspect comes a level of freedom to customise
‘and mouid the system ta your own uses. Each ofthe distros available on
the Internet havea certain spin), some offer increased security, a Fancy looking desktop, a gaming specificspn, or something directed toward
students, This extensibility makes Linux a more desirable platform to
se, a5 you can quickly mould the system into a development base,
including mary different kins oF IDEs for use with Python, web
development, ++, Jave and so an, or even a base For online anoryrnity,
perhaps asa Minecrat server, media centre and much more.
‘Another remarkable advantage for those looking to learn how to code
Isthat Linux comes with most ofthe popular coding environments
builtin. oth Python and Ct+-are preinstalled in ahigh percentage of
Linux lstrs, which means you can stato program almost as soon as
youinstall the system and boot it up Fr the First ime.
Generally speaking, Linux doesa't take up as many system resources
{as Windows or macOS, (by system resources, we mean memory,
hard drive space and CPU load), as the Linux code has been
streamlined andis free from thiré-party ‘bloatware, which hogs
those systems resources. A more efficient system, means more
availabe 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 oF macOS.
‘There are thousands of Free packages
A) available for programmers under Linux.
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2. 0
ubuntu aa
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A Each distro offers something unique to the
£2 user butalthave Linuxatthe core.
So rather than throwing away an old computer, itcan be reused with
atinuxdistro,
However it’s notall about C++, Python, or any of the other more
popular programming languages. Using the command tne oF Linux
{also calledthe Terminal, youre ableto create Shell scripts, whieh are
programs made up of scripting lanquages and designedto run from
the commandline. They are used mainly to automate tasks, or offer the
user some form of input and output fora certain operation
There are many more advantages we coulis, for example, there
are thousands and thousands of free programs and apps available
that cover practically every aspect of computing. Known as packages,
there are (at the time of writing) over 8,700 spectic programming
‘applications on Linux Min€ alone and an incredible 62,000+ overall
packages, catering from Amateur Radio to WWW tools.
In conclusion, Linuxisa great resource and environment in which
topprogram t's perfectly suited for developers, while continually
improving and evolving. IFyou're serious about getting into coding, or
youjust want to explore something new, then give Linuxa try and see
how it works For you,
A Linux programming environment can be
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The Best Linux oO
Distributions
There are numerous versions of Linux available, known as “Distributions”. Each has a
different ethos and approach. Here are five great distributions to try and where you
can get them.
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Mint began life backin 2006, as an alternative to the then, most
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user abetter overall experience.
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FE] processis complete, Coding on Linux
Installing Linux on a PC
UEFI BIOS
‘The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) 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.
PEPER :sert your DVO or USS Flash drive into your PCand,
iF youhaven't already, shutdown Windows. In this
instance, we're using the USB boot media but the process is vitually
identical, Seart the PC and when prompted press the appropriate
keysto enter the BIOS or SETUP; these could be, for example, F2,
Delor even FIZ,
PEPTED) There are different versions of a UEF BIOS, so
covering them all would be impossible. What you're
looking fora section that details the Boot Sequence or Boot
‘Mode. Here you'll have the option to turn off UEF and choose
Legacy, or cisable Secure Booting. Most distros work with UEFI but
itcan be a tricky process to enable it to boot.
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PEED with ueriturned to Legacy mode, there are now
‘two ways of booting into the Live Environment. The
Firstis va the BIOS you're already in. Locate the Boot Sequence and
hange the first boot device from its origina setting, usually Internal
HDD or similar, to: USB Storage Device for the USB media option; or
DVD Drive, For the OVO media option.
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FETIP RD :ernatively use the Boot Option Menu. with this
‘option, you can press F12 (or something similar)
to display lis of boot meaia options; from there, you can choose
the appropriate boot media, Ether way, you can now Save an
the BIOS by navigating to the Save & Exit option and choosing Save
CChanges and Exit.
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INSTALLING LINUX
Installing Linux ona PC Ego
‘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 ook or the Install option on the desktop.
Providing youre connected tothe nee nt
su then do so now) and you're in the Live Environment,
sarethe instalation roessby double clcking on the nal nx
‘Mint con onthe desktop. Other distros wil display their own name, of
course, but the process the same. Click Continue when you're ready.
hie theintalationprocesis very smfar across
sue most Linux distros, some offer different questions
dhrngtheinstalaton General, the questions rent tool
technical but sme sucha nstlng BurdpartysoPvare. canbe
Confusing, nthe, you can cick Contin, Du you usr
have an eretconneced doce aable to ask any questions
Before the installation rocess begins, youre asked
SERS ifthe choice you made regarding the erasure of the
hardciveis comet. Ths your las chance back out youre
certain you dont ming wiping everything anstaring again wth
Linux Ming click Continue. you need to back up your Fes emove
the inv dslUSB, reboot backup and tar gan
entualy you willbe asked ose up your ux
SUEPS username and password. Enter your Name to begin
wh then Computer Name -whichsthe name used toidenty
onthe network Next choose a Username, alowed 3 good
Password. You cantck ne Login Automatically option but eve
‘option or now,
EEG DD When instalting a new operating system it's
recommended that you wip (05, replacing it
with the new. When you reach this stage ofthe installation process,
ensure s¢ disk and install Linux.” option is selected. NOTE:
This will completely wipe Windows 10 from your computer, make
sure you have backups of all your personal files and data.
BREED The instalation process can be quick and there may
bbe more questions ta answer, or it may simply start
installing Linux based on your previous answers. Ether way, you will
end up being asked to Continue Testing the Live Environment, or
Restarting to use the newly installed OS. I you're ready to use Linux,
then click Restart Now.
waplpubeaonscom > 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,
wereungyieuiaornesseninc aesowct EERE wine covecacage done bet
su the easiest virtual environments to get to grips with. SUEPS ‘we install anything, we need to make sure that the
ec wrwitualbox.org and clckon Download VirtualBox: This computer yu sng sable thot» VM. To dats reboot the
wiltate you tote man downland page. Locate the caret host
computer and enter the BIOS. Asthe computer starts up, press the
for your system: Windows or Mac~ the Host isthe urrentinstalled Del, F2, or whichever key is necessary to Enter Setup.
ting system and clck the link to begin the downlo
@ VirtualBox
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FETED Next, white stil atthe virtualBoxdownloadpace, ESE PIM As each 8105 is laid out
locate the VirtualBox Extension Pack link. The
ferently, t's very difficult
to assess where tolook in each personal example
s,aswellasnumerous other However, asa general rule of thumb, you'e looking for I
/Menvironmentamoreaccurate Virtualisation Technolagy, or simply Virtualisation, usually within
the Advanced section of the BIOS. When you've located, Enable it,
save the settings, exit the BIOS and reboot the computer.
sion Pack supports USB
extras that can help make
emulation ofa ‘real’ compute
Gg VirtualBox
wom pdpuiaonseam th the compute back p and running locate
SuePS the downloaded main VirtualBox application and
double-click to begin the installation process Click Next to continue,
when you're ready.
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(Installing a Virtual Environment ei”
When instalting VirtualBox, your network
connection willbe disabled for avery brie
period. Thisis due to VirtualBox creating a linked, virtual network
‘connection so that any VM installed willbe ableto access the
Internet and your home network resources, va the computer's,
‘already established, network connection Click Yes, then, instal to
begin the instalation
Warning:
Network Interfaces
Soarceemercee
Youll probably be asked by Windows to accept a
security natiicaion, click Yes Fr this and next
you may encounter dialogue box asking you to trust the
installation from Oracle, agai, click yes and accept the instalation
(of the VirtualBox application. When it's complete, click Finish to
start VirtualBox,
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This ection can be left tothe defaults, should you
wish. Itsimply makes life alittle easier when dealing
with VMs, especially when dealing with downloaded VMs, as you
‘may encounter inthe future. Again, clicking Next will move you on
to the next stage.
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FEET With virualzox up and.unning, you can now
install the VirtualBox Extension Pack. Lacate the
downloaded add-on and double-click, There may be ashort pause
while Virtualox analyses the pack, but you'll eventually receive a
message to instal; click Install to begin the process, scroll down
the next screen to accept the agreement and click ‘I Agree"
VirtualBox - Information
The extension pack
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was installed successfully.
OK EP Coding on Linux. )
Installing Linux ina
Virtual Environment
Pe eee ot En nm ae ae Recta et
Machine (VM) environment into which you will install Linux. This process won't affect
your currently installed operating system, which is why a VM is a great choice.
CREATING THE VM
There are plenty of options to choose from when creating a VM. For now though, we'll setup a VM adequate to run the
excellent Linux Mint, and perform well.
EETESERD With virvaléox open, clickonthe Newiconinthe FIM the next section will define the amount of system
topsmiddle of the righthand panel of the app. This ‘memory, or RAM, the VM has allocated. Remember
will open the new VM Wizard. this amount will be taken from the available memory installed in
‘your computer, so don't give the VM too much. For example, we
have 8GB of memory installed and we're giving 2G8 (2048MB) to
the VM. When you're ready, click Next to continue.
BEPTED | the box next to Name type Linux Mint, and ESTEE DD Thissectionis where you'l start to create the virtual
VirtualBox should automatically choose Linux as hard disk that the VM will use to install Minton to
the Type and Ubuntu (64-bit) as the Version, if not then use the The default option, ‘Create a virtualhard disk now, isthe one we're
drop-down boxes to select the correct settings (remember Mint using. Click Create to move on.
‘mainstream is based on Ubuntu). Click Next when you're ready
to proceed, (installing Linux in a Virtual Environment ei”
“The popup window that ppeasafer king
SuePS Create is asking you what type of virtual hard disk
you want to create. We're going to use the default VDI (VirtualBox
Sskimage inthis cae, asthe others are aten vedo move Vs
from one Vi aplationto the next Make sire VOI elected, and
dlideNex.
FETED Aiterclcking Create the inital setup ofthe VMs
complete you should now be ookingat the newiy
‘created VM within the VitualBox application, Before you begin though,
1 /bin/oach
iets echo Hello World! This is ny first script im Linux Mi
PEPER You cansave thisfile, clicking File>Save,andexit_ BIB think of echo as the old BASIC Print command. It
back to the Terminal. Entering 1s, will reveal the displays either text, numbers or any variables that
script inthe folder. To make any script executable, and able to are storedin the system, such asthe current system date, Try this
run, you need to modify its permissions, Do thiswith chmod +x -examplerecho Hella World! Today is §(date +8A).The
hel Loworld. sh. Youneed to do thiswith every script you create. _S(date +%4)scalling the system variable that stores the current day
of the week.
Fede View Search Terminal Help
waplpubeaonscom >) Coding on Linux
Creating Bash Scripts
—Part 2
VARIABLES
Just as in every other programming language a Bash script can store and call certain variables from the system, either generic
for user created.
FETTER
s1/oinbash, PEPER) when yourun the script now you can use two
custom variables: ./hello.sh David Hayward
Naturally change the two variables with your own name; unless
you're aso called David Hayward. At the moment we're just printing
the contents, so let's expand the two-variable use a lite,
File Edt View Search Terminal Help
sh David Haywa
Paver
rena
Create anew script called addition
using
the same format as the hello sh script, But
changing the variable names. Here we've added first number and
jecondnu
‘and used the echo command to output some
simple arithmetic by placing an integer expression, acho The sum!
is $((sfirstnu +). Save the script, and
rmakeit executable (chnod +% addition.sh)
aésition sh
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Jecho The sun is $(($firstnumber+Ssecondnunber))
PEPER) When younow run the addition sh script we can
entertwo numbers: ./addition.sh 1 2.The
result will hopefully be 3, with the Terminal displaying The sum
153 Try itwith afew different numbers and see what happens.
‘See also if you can alter the script and rename it do multiplication,
‘and subtraction.
View Search Terminal Help
(Creating Bash Scripts-Part2 E@ps
Bee Lctsexpand things Further. Create anew script
called greetings.sh. Enter the scripting as below
in the screenshot, saveit and make it executable with the chino
‘command. You can see that there ae a few new additionsto the
sctipt now,
poain~)/xoo\/ag
Bu oectngssh x
os oin/bash
Ss
(We've added a =i to the echo command here
which will leave the cursor on the same tine asthe
‘question, instead of a new line, The read command stores the
users’ input as the variables firstname and surname, to then read
back later inthe last echo line. And the clea command clears
the screen
Fle Eat View Search Terminal Help
PEPPER) 2s 2 Final adction, lets include the date variable
‘we usedin the last section. Amend the last ine
ofthescripttoread:echo Hello Sfirstname $surname, how
are you on this fine $ (date +8A) 2. The output should
clsplay the current day of the week, calling it froma system variable,
fie Ee View Search Toate Domes Help
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1/bin/bash
fend farstnane
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fecho Helo $firstnane Ssurnane, how are you on this fine $(dat /dev/null
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