Resources

Use these guides to set up your tools, keep your research records, and prepare your work for review. Start with Git and GitHub, then set up your editor and student site.

Start here

  1. Learn Git and GitHub basics. Clone a project, save commits, upload changes, and open a pull request.
  2. Set up VS Code. Install the editor, open a folder, and use the terminal and Git.
  3. Build your student or internship site. Use 2026student or 2026intern. Clone your repository, change your details, write meeting notes, and publish your updates.
  4. Set up Python. Create a project environment. Learn when to use venv, Conda, or Docker.

Choose a guide

GuideWhat you will doCheck your result
Git and GitHub basicsClone, commit, push, and review work with branches and pull requestsFind your commit on GitHub and complete one practice PR
Student and internship websitesClone, edit, preview, and publish your own research siteOpen your site and its meeting page
VS Code essentialsOpen projects, run Python, use Git, and connect to a lab computerRun a small script with the correct interpreter
Python, venv, Conda, and DockerSet up one environment for each projectRebuild the environment from a saved file
Write with OverleafStart a paper, add references, and work with your supervisorCompile a PDF with working citations
Trossen WidowX AI armCheck the hardware, install the driver, connect, and run a reviewed first moveComplete one clear, controlled movement
Find papers and check research venuesCheck JCR Q1/Q2 journals and strong conference venues, then record what you readBring a short reading list to your meeting

Use a simple work cycle

  1. Open the correct project folder.
  2. Get the latest changes before editing.
  3. Use a separate Python environment for each project.
  4. Save your code, settings, and reading notes in clear files.
  5. Check your changes before you upload them.
  6. Before a meeting, write your progress, results, questions, and next steps.

Read each guide in order. Stop at a failed check and use its problem-solving section before you continue.