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Linux Primer
You may install Ubuntu on a new/repurposed PC or running in a virtual guest in VirtualBox. Follow the instructions for installation. The Ubuntu ISO image may be downloaded from the Ubuntu desktop download location.
The development environment supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Which to use is based on whether your CPU supports 64-bit and whether you’re installing in a Virtual Machine. 32-bit distributions are getting phased out, so the best bet is to install a 64-bit system.
If you’re replacing the OS on a computer, determine whether or not your CPU supports 64-bit. Either way, the 32-bit Ubuntu 14.04 installation should work if you are unsure.
For virtual machines, you can choose either 32-bit or 64-bit when setting up your VM. Make sure you download the corresponding iso image for installation.
You will want to install the 32-bit compatibility libraries so you can run programs compiled for a 32-bit system.
If you’re running in VM or on an older system, you want to minimize the processing needed on your system. Replace the slow window manager with a different window manager. Try a few out and see what you prefer. Don’t worry, you can select your window manager when you log in so you are not stuck with the one you install.
fluxbox is a barebones window manager that supports different workspaces.
sudo apt-get install fluxboxThe terminal window gives you access to the command line prompt, represented by the `$` symbol in our examples. The command line is used to run all the commands in this tutorial, for system commands, and for development.
To launch a Terminal, click on the top left icon in the Ubuntu application dock and type “terminal” in the search field. Click on the “Terminal” icon in the search results to launch a terminal. Alternatively, you may drag the Terminal icon onto the dock for quick access.
The Linux Command Reference is a good start to learning the Linux command line.
The `apropos` and `man` commands are useful for learning what commands you can run and what those commands do.
To find out about programs that have to do with music, use the `apropos` command:
$ apropos music
rhythmbox (1) - music player and library for tagged files using GStreamer$ man rhythmbox
rhythmbox(1) General Commands Manual rhythmbox(1)
NAME
rhythmbox - music player and library for tagged files using GStreamer
SYNOPSIS
rhythmbox [option...]
DESCRIPTION
rhythmbox is a very easy to use music playing and management program
which supports a wide range of audio formats (including mp3 and ogg).
...These key bindings allow you to move quickly around the bash shell without lifting your fingers from the keyboard.
The `C` in the key binding column represents the Control key.
| Key | Description |
|---|---|
| C-f or Right Arrow | Move cursor forwards (to the right) |
| C-b or Left Arrow | Move cursor backwards (to the left) |
| C-n or Down Arrow | Move to the next item in your command line history |
| C-p or Up Arrow | Move to the previous item in your command line history |
| C-a | Jump to the beginning of the line |
| C-e | Jump to the beginning of the line |
| C-u | Erase everything from your cursor to the beginning of the line |
| Tab | Command completion. Start typing a command and press Tab to see possible completions |
If multiple developers are using a single computer, we recommend separate individual accounts for users for security reasons and to avoid conflicts. Sharing a user account is possible, but requires special care.
In the following examples, replace `<username>` with a unique user name for the developer. The `sudo` command allows you to run a command as a privileged user.
If you have sudo capability, creating an individual account is the recommended approach.
To add a user:
$ sudo adduser <username>Input the requested information when prompted. The user should then be able to log into the computer using `<username>`.
If you do not have sudo capability or if you do not want to manage multiple user accounts, you can use a single account for multiple developers. Each developer must perform their development in their own directory.
For initial setup, create sub directories for each user (the `~` is a short cut for the home directory of the current user):
$ mkdir ~/<username>When logging in, each user should do their work in their own directory:
$ cd <username>When using a shared account for git development, be sure to set your user and email prior to making commits.
git config user.name "User Name"
git config user.email "UserEmail@Host"