Documentation of software tools used in :

Computing Environments

In Fall 2020 Term T2 we will be using Racket and Standard ML for our computing work.

Dr. Racket

Install DrRacket on your own computer for Racket Programming

Standard ML (SML)

Fall 2020 Term T2: Course Appliance for Running Standard ML

Standard ML is tricky to install in a standalone way on your own computer such that it will work with an editor like Emacs. For this reason, most students should use the csenv appliance, a self-contained virtual machine you can install on your computer. It includes all necessary software tools for this course, allowing you to work while offline.

If you are unable to install the appliance, it is possible to do your SML work via SSH access to the CS server/workstations while connected to the internet. However, in this case, Lyn will need to specially configure your CS server account, so contact him if you plan to use this option. If using SSH, you should plan to use the pure-text interface (learn the Emacs keybindings). Depending on your location and internet connection, sending the graphical interface over SSH is likely too laggy to be pleasant or usable.

If neither option works, please contact Lyn.

Account setup for the CS GNU/Linux server/workstations

A CS account is required for all computing options. Request one if needed (on campus only).

See the GNU/Linux Skills links below or if you are new to the command line.

First-Time Setup

Fall 2020 Term T2: Account setup for the csenv appliance

After installing the csenv appliance, you must configure the appliance to be populated with a git-controlled cs251/sml directory. Do this as follows

  1. Within the appliance, you may be prompted to update the Linux Ubuntu operating system. Do not update Ubuntu! It’s important that everyone in class be using the same default version of Ubuntu (18.04).

  2. Within the running appliance, create a new terminal window by clicking the terminal icon Terminal icon. in the left side menu bar.

  3. Within the terminal window, execute the following three commands, one at a time, exactly as they are written (it’s safest to copy/paste them into the terminal) except that you should replace gdome in the first command by your own cs.wellesley.edu (tempest) username. In the first command, make sure you include the space and period at the end.

    u@csenv-s20:~$ scp gdome@cs.wellesley.edu:/home/cs251/download/install-cs251-f20-git.sh .

u@csenv-s20:~$ chmod a+x install-cs251-f20-git.sh

u@csenv-s20:~$ ./install-cs251-f20-git.sh

  4. To verify that the previous step has been successful, launch an Emacs window by clicking on the Emacs icon Emacs icon. in the left side menu bar. In Emacs, use the top menu bar to select File>Open File and navigate to cs251/sml/intro/mydefns.sml. Verify that your window looks like the following:

    Emacs with Standard ML file.

    If this verification step does not work, please contact Lyn ASAP.

Tool References