📂 Create a working directory for the module

1. Fork the coursework module (always linked in every backlog) and open it in VSCode.
2. In your VSCode terminal, navigate to the root of your project directory.
3. Create a new directory called prep to store all the files you’ll be working on for this module.

As you work through the module, you’ll be creating files in this directory to code along with the prep content. You are expected to code along with the prep content.

For simple one liners, use the terminal REPL to run the code. For more complex problems, create files in the prep directory and write the code there. Make commented notes as you go along explaining why you’re doing what you’re doing. Your future self will thank you.

🔑 The most important thing is to secure your understanding

The prep content is designed to help you understand the concepts you’ll be working with in the module. Don’t just read it, code along with it. Also take notes, draw diagrams, pose your own questions and try to answer them.

To really understand programming, you need to write the code yourself, and do the exercises. You must take active part in your learning to succeed.

📄 Create files for the first problem

Find the first problem in your prep for this module and create the files you’ll need to work on it.

1. In your prep directory, create a test file for the problem. For example, if the first problem is about calculating the mean, you would create a file called mean.test.js.
2. In your prep directory, create a matching file for the problem. For example, mean.js.

Do this in your VSCode terminal by running the following commands:

touch mean.test.js
touch mean.js

In the same directory, open your test file by running:

code mean.test.js

You’ll be writing in a “test driven development” style. This means you will write a test for the problem first, then write the code to make the test pass.