From 27da3f761d92cde386c329c5200f3e0babbec49b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Janis Hutz Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:48:21 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] feat: first semester tips and tricks, things to try --- .vitepress/config.mts | 1 + ersties/semester1-tips.md | 4 ++++ ersties/things-to-try.md | 36 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3 files changed, 41 insertions(+) create mode 100644 ersties/things-to-try.md diff --git a/.vitepress/config.mts b/.vitepress/config.mts index 08a010a..f37d339 100644 --- a/.vitepress/config.mts +++ b/.vitepress/config.mts @@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ export default defineConfig({ { text: 'Exam (Preparation)', link: '/exams' }, { text: 'Buildings', link: '/buildings' }, { text: 'Semester Planning', link: '/semester-planning' }, + { text: 'Things to consider / try', link: '/things-to-try' }, { text: 'Reference / Useful links', link: '/reference' }, ] } diff --git a/ersties/semester1-tips.md b/ersties/semester1-tips.md index 49aaa88..583d7cc 100644 --- a/ersties/semester1-tips.md +++ b/ersties/semester1-tips.md @@ -5,6 +5,10 @@ Chances are that if you are reading this, you are starting with ETH, so here a f - Make sure to switch exercise classes if you don't like a TA's teaching style. You don't have to change the registration on MyStudies, you can go to any class you like. - Don't hesitate to ask questions in exercise classes +::: warning DISCLAIMER +Semester 1 is *not* indicative of the workload in later semesters. It is (by far) the highest workload semester. +::: + ## Discrete Maths (DM) Managed via Moodle diff --git a/ersties/things-to-try.md b/ersties/things-to-try.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a0377f8 --- /dev/null +++ b/ersties/things-to-try.md @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ +# Things to consider / try +## LaTeX / Typst +While handing in hand-written notes is accepted in almost all cases, it is still a good idea to hand things in that are typeset using LaTeX or Typst. +For LaTeX, you may use my LaTeX helpers, found at https://github.com/janishutz/latex + + +## Linux +Development is *much* easier on Linux compared to Windows in about 95% of cases. There even are some courses where you absolutely *need* to use Linux (though you can use WSL also). +Installing new dev tools is as easy as running a single command (such as `pacman -S ` or `apt install `), or updating a config file (in case of Nix), +no need to click "Next" a lot of times, it all *just works*. +Docker is also a first-class citizen, Virtual Machines are much faster, etc. + + +## Tiling Window Managers +Using a mouse is *objectively* slow if you use things on a regular basis. +Always fighting to put windows into the correct position using a mouse can get annoying and time consuming if you use them all day, every day. + +This is where tiling window managers come into play. They automatically split your screen and you can navigate between windows entirely using a keyboard. +Good examples include `bspwm`, `i3` (an `sway` for Wayland), `Hyprland` (albeit that isn't *necessarily* a full-blown tiling WM), `dwm` and more. + + +## NeoVim (or Emacs) +Using a good text editor will massively improve your developer experience and speed. +Thus, choosing a fast editor is important. VSCode, JetBrains IDEs or Sublime Text are the "easy", slow and boring options, which are called "user friendly" options. + +User friendly in general refers to applications that are easily approachable, by providing a legible, good looking graphical interface, while sacrificing usability, +speed and customizability, thus meaning that the user isn't *really* in control of the software. + +User focused software on the contrary is meant to be easily and extensively configurable and (typically) highly extensible. +This means that the application is minimal by design, only providing features that the greatest portion of users will use. +In the case of NeoVim, this means that things like AI completion are not included at all and need to be added using plugins. +Language Servers on the other hand can be added natively because it is an entirely optional feature, as is syntax highlighting, +which most, if not all developers use. + +If you are to give NeoVim (or Vim, or Emacs or another terminal editor) a try, just be aware that they have a *very* steep learning curve compared to things like VSCode. +However, if you push through, you will gain superpowers, and your IDE won't use half a gigabyte or more of RAM just sitting there.