Remote Access to Logos

You may want to install certain (free) software on your own computer to remotely access the computing resources we rely on. This page has extensive details on how to access our computing systems remotely. Specifically, for CSCI 132 you will likely want to follow these steps:

1. First, follow these instructions to learn how to use SSH to connect to logos. While you can use the remote-access features of Visual Studio Code for most things, there are times when it is helpful to have plain SSH instead. Follow the instructions (by the big green check mark) to make sure you can log in to logos using plain SSH.
2. Next, decide which C++ code editor you will use.
   • If you want something simple, "modern", and graphical, with nice colors, automatic indenting, I recommend following these instructions to install on your own laptop Visual Studio Code and the associated Remote - SSH extension, and configure these to access logos. Test your connection to make sure you can log in to logos and browse the files in your logos home directory (see the big green checkmark in the instructions for steps to test your connection).
   • If you want to try something different: I personally use command-line vim in a teriminal window connected to logos with SSH, with only the keyboard and no mouse, menus, or graphical interface. VIM is fast but weird, and isn't for everyone, but I like it. Then again, I have had many years to get used to it. You don't need to install any software to use VIM in this way, it is already installed on logos. If you like, you can get VIM for Mac or Windows, to use for editing files on your own laptop (a "light" version is probably already installed on Mac).
   • Some other faculty use emacs in a terminal window connected to logos with SSH, again with only the keyboard and no mouse, menus, or graphical interface. Like VIM, this takes some time to get used to the interface, and it isn't for everyone. You don't need to install any software to use EMACS in this way, it is already installed on logos. If you like, you can get EMACS for Mac or Windows, to use for editing files on your own laptop.

Helpful Web Sites for C++, Emacs, Vim, etc.

• University of Wisconsin-Madison C++ for Java Programmers tutorial. Written self-paced tutorial with some self-test exercises. Just the basics (which is all we need for CSCI 132).
• Mary Elaine Califf's C++ for Java Programmers video series. Eleven good videos on basics of C++.
• Holy Cross C++ Style Guide - code you write should follow these guidelines.
• A good step-by-step C++ tutorial. There is a book too that I have heard is pretty good.
• A rather dry but clear and concise C++ tutorial.
• Extensive C++ Reference - contains exhaustive details about most every C++ library, function, operator, etc. that you will encounter in this course.
• Emacs hints & cheat sheet - if you forget the basic key combinations.
• Emacs tutorial for beginners - if you want a step-by-step guide to using emacs.
• Vim tutorial for beginners - Vim is the major alternative to Emacs (nearly all serious systems programmers use one or the other). If you grow tired and frustrated with emacs, give vim a try. But beware: while emacs will drive you batty with command-shift-meta-whatever key combinations, you will probably find vim to very unusual at first. So you should read a little about it before even trying to run it.