Why Do I Need So Many Apps to Start Learning Programming?

You need multiple tools for different parts of the programming process, kind of like how players need different gear for sports. If you're just starting out, you might not need everything right away—just Python would work for running code. But as you dive deeper, you'll find that each app serves its purpose! Anaconda helps manage libraries, Git tracks changes in your code, and Visual Studio Code offers better organization and code highlighting. All of these improve your experience as you learn!

You don’t have to use all those apps! If you're on Linux, you might already have the essentials installed. For Windows, running a Linux subsystem can simplify things. But if you're new, sticking to just Python and a text editor might be all you need for now. You can always expand later as you grow more comfortable with programming!

The reason for all these tools is that they're common in the programming world. Anaconda helps you manage libraries, Git handles version control, and Visual Studio Code is nice for writing your code with helpful features. In a college course, they're setting you up with everything you might eventually need!

Technically, you could just stick with Anaconda since it includes Python, but the course might use these other tools as you go along. So even if it feels like overkill now, it could help you follow along better. Plus, developers often need a toolbox of skills!

Anaconda is helpful, but not mandatory for beginners. It's good for managing packages, especially when your projects get more complex. If you don’t want to deal with all those installations at the start, just download Python and a simple text editor. As for Git, that's great for version control once you get a hang of the basics!