Windows: open VS Code, go to Extensions (the blocks
icon on the left), search for "WSL", and install the WSL
extension. This lets VS Code edit the files inside your
Linux system. From your Ubuntu shell, type
code . to open the current directory.
Mac: open VS Code, press Cmd-Shift-P, type "shell
command", and select Shell Command: Install 'code'
command in PATH. After that, code filename
works from your shell.
Install the "Python" extension (same Extensions panel) for
syntax coloring and running python code.
PyCharm Professional (free for Purdue students)
Sign up for the
JetBrains
student pack using your purdue.edu email address. This
gives you the Professional edition at no cost.
Download and install
PyCharm
Professional and sign in with your JetBrains account.
Windows: in a new project's interpreter settings,
choose "WSL" so PyCharm uses the python inside your Linux
system.
Either IDE is fine. The lab instructions assume VS Code and its
code command; PyCharm users open files through the
PyCharm interface instead.