We will use Version 6.2.1 of the Racket language for all coding projects in the course. You must use Racket, Version 6.0 or higher. No other implementation provides the libraries that we will use in this course.
You can program in Racket with your favorite editor, or (recommended) you can use the DrRacket integrated development environment, which sits on top of the 'racket' command-line program and provides several nice features, such as source correlation of errors---you will, however, need to use DrRacket for those assignments that involve images. Both DrRacket and racket are installed on all public and lab computers maintained by WPI. Alternatively (or in addition), you can download both together (for free) to your own computer (Unix, PC, Mac all supported, with source files portable between them).
Note that we will be starting the course in the Beginning Student language level of DrRacket. To enable this language level, select Choose Language from the Language menu in the top toolbar, and then under Teaching Languages select Beginning Student. NB: Before clicking Ok in this menu, click on Show Details (lower left corner) and change the Constant Style to "true false empty". Finally, press Run button (top right corner) to make this change take effect.
During the seven weeks of the course, you will progress to the Advanced Student level (and beyond!). However, do not use a language level higher than we are using in class or that is specified for a particular assignment or lab.