Tech Setup

Tools and initial setup for the course

This course emphasizes hands-on, AI-augmented development. We use modern tools that climate professionals can leverage today — without needing years of programming experience.

Development Environment

VS Code is our primary editor — lightweight, extensible, and works seamlessly with AI assistants. We'll also use Google Antigravity IDE, a VS Code-based environment with integrated agentic AI capabilities.

AI Coding Assistants

GitHub Copilot is our primary AI pair programmer (free for students via the GitHub Education pack). We'll also explore Continue.dev, an open-source alternative that works with local and open-source models.

In Module 3, we go deeper — learning to work directly with LLM APIs, use local models, and build tool-using agents.

Python & Cloud-Native Data

Python is our primary language. We emphasize cloud-native workflows that scale beyond your laptop's memory:

  • Databases: Query large datasets without loading them into RAM
  • Cloud-optimized formats: Parquet, GeoParquet, and cloud-native geospatial data
  • Web apps: Build and deploy interactive dashboards

Geospatial & Environmental Data

Module 2 focuses on spatial analysis and environmental justice mapping. We work with:

  • Vector data: Points, polygons, census boundaries
  • Raster data: Satellite imagery, species richness layers
  • Interactive maps: Web-based visualization with MapLibre

LLMs & Agentic AI

Module 3 covers programmatic LLM use — moving beyond the chat interface:

  • LLM APIs: OpenRouter, open-source models, structured outputs
  • Document intelligence: Extract structured data from PDFs and reports
  • Tool use: Build agents that can query databases and call functions

Collaboration & Version Control

GitHub is where all coursework lives. You'll use GitHub Classroom for assignments, learn version control basics, and build a portfolio of climate tech projects.

What You'll Need

  • Laptop with a modern web browser
  • Power cable — sessions run 2 hours
  • Internet connection — for cloud-based tools

No prior programming experience required. We'll set up everything together in Session 1.

Initial Setup

Today we're setting up your GitHub account, applying for the Student Developer Pack, and configuring VS Code. GitHub approval takes about 72 hours, so complete this early!

1. Create a GitHub Account

If you don't already have one, sign up at github.com/signup.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Required before applying for the Student Developer Pack.

  1. Go to github.com/settings/security
  2. Enable two-factor authentication
  3. Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator) or SMS

3. Add Your Name & Address to Billing

This helps verify your identity — no payment info required.

  1. Go to github.com/settings/billing/payment_information
  2. Add your name as it appears on your student ID
  3. For address, you can use the university address:
    Wellman Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720

4. Apply for GitHub Student Developer Pack

The Student Developer Pack gives you free access to GitHub Copilot and other tools.

Apply at: education.github.com/pack

Berkeley-Specific Tips

  • School: Select "UC Berkeley" from the list
  • Email: Use your @berkeley.edu address
  • Location: You must enable location sharing when prompted. Without it, the form may ask for a @cs.berkeley.edu email (which most students don't have).
  • Browser: Use Firefox or Chrome — Safari blocks location by default and is tricky to configure.
  • Student ID photo: The form mentions "dated ID" but Berkeley IDs don't have dates. That's fine — as long as your billing info name matches your ID, you'll be approved.
⏱ Approval takes ~72 hours. Submit your application today!

5. Accept GitHub Classroom Invitation

When you accept the classroom invitation, a private repository is created just for you in our course organization. This is where you'll push all your work.

The invitation link will be provided by your instructor during class.

6. Install VS Code

Download from code.visualstudio.com and install for your operating system.

Install GitHub Copilot Extension

Once your Student Developer Pack is approved:

  1. Open VS Code
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+X (Mac) to open Extensions
  3. Search for "GitHub Copilot"
  4. Click Install
  5. Sign in with your GitHub account when prompted
Important: Activate your Copilot Coupon

After your academic benefits are verified, you must explicitly accept the Copilot coupon:

  1. Go to github.com/settings/education/benefits
  2. Click the link to redeem your coupon (usually github.com/github-copilot/free_signup)
  3. Restart VS Code. "Premium models" should now appear in the Copilot Chat model list.

7. Python Setup (Optional Pre-Work)

We'll do this together in class, but if you'd like a head start:

  1. Download Miniforge from github.com/conda-forge/miniforge
  2. Follow the installation instructions for your OS

Don't worry if you run into issues — we'll troubleshoot together.

Before You Leave

  • ☑️ GitHub account created
  • ☑️ Two-factor authentication enabled
  • ☑️ Name and address added to billing
  • ☑️ Student Developer Pack application submitted
  • ☑️ GitHub Classroom invitation accepted
  • ☑️ VS Code installed

Next session: We'll start working with real climate data. Make sure your Copilot access is approved!