Learn to Program

The recommended setup

Go ahead and install Chrome if you do not already have it installed on your PC.
This link should take you to the download page.

Definately install node.js. If you think it is already installed on your machine then there is no harm in installing it again as any new version will overwrite any older one. If you are offered the option to install tooling for possible C++ extensions then you do not need to check the box. You are unlikely to need such tooling in the near term. If you do decide to check the box then it might be a good idea to go and make a pot of tea and maybe fetch a few biscuits because it will take a while. Use this link for the download page. You should download the LTS (Long Term Support) version for your PC.

Download Visual Studio code.
Follow the advice in the book on locating and installing extensions but the only one you should install now is JSHint.
If you later get into some more advanced HTML then you might experiment with some of the related supporting extensions.
This link will take you to the VS Code download page.

Follow on by installing image processing software if you are so inclined and have nothing suitable currently available.
All of the images used in the game projects can be downloaded from this web site. See the page here supporting each chapter in turn.

It is now quite difficult to locate a free download for Paint.NET. I found a free download link when searching in September 2021 but care is needed. Check that clicking on a downlaod link will get you Paint.NET instead of some unwanted junkware (or worse). The fee to the Microsoft Store is small and represents great value for money.

Another Paint.Net plugin

Another paint.Net plugin I have recently found is the PrintIt plugin which can be downloaded here
Download and unpack the zip file. Two of the enclosed files (OptionBasedLibrary*.dll/.dlc) go in the Paint.NET folder (mine is at C:\Program Files\Paint.NET) and the other two files (PrintIt.Effect.dll/.dlc) go in the usual Paint.NET/Effects/ folder.

While we are on downloads and zip files can I recommend 7Zip if you do not already have it? It is the best tool for handling all of the compressed archive files out there. Give it a try by downloading a copy now.

Chapter 1 illustrations

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Read the chapter in my book Learn to Program with Games and JavaScript