The Scope of This Guide

This guide is going to cover various programming topics in a language-agnostic way. For the sake of simplicity and platform-agnosticity, we’ll only be using two languages - Python and Rust.

Why? Well, mainly just because I like them. But also because they’re among the easiest to get started with if you’re new to programming, and these two languages will cover pretty much everything you’ll need to know as a programmer.

As for operating systems, this guide won’t make any assumptions about what platform you’re on. I’m a Linux user, so I’ll be using Linux, but this guide will work no matter whether you’re on a Windows computer, a Mac, or a Linux system.

However, this guide will assume that you have direct access to your own system and are able to install packages and applications.

If you’re on a locked-down system, like a Chromebook, a Steam Deck, an iPhone or a Windows device in S Mode, you should look into acquiring a system that you can directly access, like a Windows or Linux laptop, or a MacBook.

Windows in S Mode users can upgrade to Windows 10 Home/Pro or Windows 11 Pro in the Microsoft Store, although you should make sure you’re absolutely certain before doing something like that - there’s always the possibility of something going wrong.

Chromebook users can probably use Crostini, although if you’re a beginner, you would probably do better with an online editor, like Online Python, the Rust Playground or Replit.

Done reading? Let’s move on to environment setup.