Getting Started

Getting Started#

For this class, we will be working with Linux systems and learning to use the bash command line, C++ programming, and some basic software engineering techniques.

MathLab#

The computers in the MathLab (S-235) have are a bit out-dated, so we will mostly use them as terminals to access remote servers that are more up-to-date.

Note

This actually mimics how we often work in the real world, especially using research computing resources.

The remote machines are:

  • portal.mathlab.stonybrook.edu

  • portal2.mathlab.stonybrook.edu

You may use either or both machines, but note that they are not mirrored. So any files you put on one will not be reflected on the other.

Important

After 3 unsuccessful login attempts, you will be locked out of the machine for an hour.

The Terminal#

Our standard interface to the computer is the command line, accessible via the terminal app.

The terminal is our window to the computer. It runs an interactive shell called Bash that operates as a REPL:

  • Read: Bash will read a command that you enter at the promot

  • Execute: Bash will execute the command

  • Print: the output from the command will be printed to the terminal

  • Loop: the process repeats, with the prompt waiting to read your next command.

Try it…

A simple Unix command is echo. It simply repeats whatever you type:

echo Hello, World!

Accessing the remote servers#

The ssh command allows for a secure connection to a remote machine. At the terminal prompt we can do:

ssh -l <username> portal.mathlab.stonybrook.edu

where you replace <username> with your NetId. You will then be prompted for your password (the one associated with your NetId).

Note

Here we see that ssh takes options that after the command that modify the default behavior (sometimes we call these switches). These typically start with a - or --.

We’ll see that most Unix commands have options that we can use.

If the connection is successful, then you will should see a prompt like:

[mzingale@portal ~]$

in the terminal. This shows (the @portal) that you are connected to portal.

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