HW 00: Getting set up

Accounts, tools, and a clean workspace

Before we get into data science itself, we need to get you set up with the accounts and tools you’ll use all semester. None of this is graded on correctness — it’s just putting the pieces in place so that when we start coding nothing gets in the way.

1. Bookmark the essentials

2. Join Discord

Discord is how we communicate outside of class — announcements, questions, and discussion all happen there.

  • Join using the invite link posted in Canvas.
  • If you already have a Discord handle, make sure your server profile has your first name and at least last initial so we know who you are (e.g. not just d34dPir0)
  • Navigate to the #class-selection channel on the left side and react to the last post with a flashlight (🔦). This will give you access to this class’s channel
  • Post a short introduction in the #385-class-chat channel. Include your name, major, and a picture describing the general vibe of your summer.
Note

It’s easy to miss things if you’re not checking in. Bug in homework? Class cancelled? Incorrect quiz link? This is where that information is at. You must either download the desktop app or the phone app. Consider turning on notifications for at least the announcements channel.

3. Create a GitHub account

You’ll use GitHub throughout the course to submit and version your work.

  • Go to https://github.com/ and create an account if you don’t already have one.
  • Choose your username carefully — it’ll follow you into your professional life. See this good username advice.

Update your GitHub profile

Once you’re logged in, click your profile icon in the upper right and select Settings, then Public profile, and fill out your profile information. Click Update profile when you’re done.

Not required, but it helps us recognize you and helps you recognize your classmates.

4. Access R and RStudio via ICOR

We’ll be using RStudio hosted on Chico State’s JupyterHub (via ICOR) — this is where all of your computing for this course will happen. No local installation is required to get started.

  • Go to https://chicostate.jupyter.cal-icor.org/hub and log in via SSO with your Chico State credentials. Click “Launch Server”
  • Once your server starts, you’ll see several programs available for you to use, one of which is RStudio. Double click to open this.
Note

This is the same RStudio interface you may have seen elsewhere — it’s just running remotely instead of on your own machine. Your files persist here between sessions, so you can pick up right where you left off.

Set your sanity settings

Before you do anything else in RStudio, adjust these two preferences so that each time you restart R, you start with a clean environment instead of carrying forward objects from a previous session.

  • Go to Tools → Global Options.
  • Uncheck Restore .RData into workspace at startup.
  • Set Save workspace to .RData on exit to Never.
Important

Skipping this step is one of the most common sources of “it worked yesterday but not today” bugs. Old objects lingering in your environment can make code that’s actually broken appear to work — and vice versa. Do this now and thank yourself later.

5. Read the syllabus

  • Read the syllabus.
  • Complete all other reading listed under “Prepare” to be ready for Thursday’s class.

You’re now set up. Day 2 will introduce you to the rest of the toolkit — R, Quarto, and how they fit together — and Homework 1 will have you put it into practice.