Coding in the Terminal

The Developer Workflow

Every programming language in the terminal follows the same three-step pattern. Once you learn this flow, you can use any language.

Install the language
apt install python (or lua, node, gcc, ruby, php, typescript, scheme, basic)

Write your code
nano hello.py creates and opens a file in the editor. Write your program, save with Ctrl+S.

Run it
python hello.py executes your program and shows the output right in the terminal.

        $ apt install python

        1 package(s) installed successfully.

        $ nano hello.py

        (editor opens, type your code, Ctrl+S to save, Esc to exit)

        $ python hello.py

        Hello, World!

Try Before You Write

Most languages have a REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) where you can type code and see results instantly. Just type the language name with no arguments.

        $ python

        Python 3.12.0 (mytekOS Skulpt runtime)

        >>> 2 + 2

        4

        >>> "hello".upper()

        'HELLO'

        >>> exit()

REPLs are perfect for experimenting. Try out an idea, see if it works, then put it in a file when you're happy with it.

Nine Languages to Explore

Click each card to learn more. Every language has its own personality, history, and use cases.

Python REPL

Created 1991 by Guido van Rossum

The most popular beginner language. Used for AI, data science, web backends, automation. Clean, readable syntax that reads almost like English.

apt install python

JavaScript REPL

Created 1995 by Brendan Eich

The language of the web. Every website you've ever used runs JavaScript. Also powers servers (Node.js), mobile apps, and games.

apt install node

Lua REPL

Created 1993 in Brazil

Tiny, fast, and embeddable. The go-to language for game scripting. Used in Roblox, World of Warcraft, and thousands of game engines.

apt install lua

C++ Compile

Created 1985 by Bjarne Stroustrup

Raw power and speed. Used for game engines, operating systems, browsers, and anything that needs peak performance. The backbone of modern software.

apt install gcc

TypeScript REPL

Created 2012 by Microsoft

JavaScript with types. Catches bugs before your code runs. Used by most professional JavaScript teams. The industry standard for large projects.

apt install typescript

Ruby REPL

Created 1995 by Yukihiro Matsumoto

Designed for programmer happiness. Elegant, expressive syntax. Powers millions of websites through Ruby on Rails. Everything is an object.

apt install ruby

PHP REPL

Created 1995 by Rasmus Lerdorf

The language behind 77% of the web, including WordPress, Wikipedia, and this platform. Specifically built for web development.

apt install php

Scheme REPL

Created 1975 at MIT

A dialect of Lisp, one of the oldest programming languages. Teaches you to think in functions and recursion. Used in university CS courses worldwide.

apt install scheme

BASIC REPL

Created 1964 at Dartmouth

Where it all began for personal computing. Bill Gates wrote his first software in BASIC. Classic line-numbered programming with GOTO and GOSUB.

apt install basic

Different Ways to Think

Programming languages aren't just different syntax. They represent different ways of thinking about problems.

Imperative

Step-by-step instructions. "Do this, then this, then this." The most natural way to start.

Python, Lua, C++, BASIC, PHP

Object-Oriented

Organize code into objects that have data and behavior. Model the real world.

Python, Ruby, C++, TypeScript, PHP

Functional

Everything is a function. No side effects. Transform data through pipelines.

Scheme, JavaScript, Ruby, Python

Compiled vs Interpreted

C++ compiles to machine code first (fast). Python interprets line by line (flexible).

Compiled: C++ | Interpreted: all others

Where Should You Start?

Pick based on what excites you.

Want to make games?
Start with Lua (pairs with GameBuilder) or C++ (what AAA games use).

www

Want to build websites?
Start with JavaScript or PHP. Add TypeScript when you're comfortable.

Want to do AI or data science?
Start with Python. It's the standard for machine learning and data analysis.

Want to understand CS deeply?
Try Scheme for functional thinking or C++ for how computers really work.

Just want to start coding?
Python is the most beginner-friendly. Clean syntax, huge community, endless tutorials.

Ready to Code!

You now know how to write and run programs in the terminal. Pick a language, start building.

Languages Explored

Time Exploring

The Terminal is a Coding Environment

Install a language with apt, create a file with nano, run it with a command. Real developer workflow.

Nine Languages, One Pattern

Every language follows the same flow: apt install, create a file, write code, run it. The syntax changes but the workflow is the same.

Different Tools for Different Jobs

Python for general programming, Lua for game scripting, C++ for performance, JavaScript for the web. Each language has its strengths.

Start with One, Explore More

You don't need to learn them all. Pick one that interests you, get comfortable, then branch out.

Ready to Create?

Put your new knowledge into practice!

Open the Terminal → More Discoveries