workspace-course-topics

Verification: Terminal Context

Purpose: Ensure your terminal is in the correct filesystem context before proceeding with any workflow.

Windows users: You must be in WSL/Ubuntu, not Windows PowerShell.

Verification steps

1. Check your shell

Run:

echo $SHELL

Expected output: /bin/bash or /bin/zsh

If you see nothing or an error: You are likely in PowerShell. Open a terminal and type wsl to enter Ubuntu.

2. Check your home directory

Run:

echo $HOME

Expected output: /home/yourusername (Linux/WSL) or /Users/yourusername (Mac)

NOT expected: C:\Users\... or any path with backslashes

3. Check your current path format

Run:

pwd

Expected: Path starting with / (e.g., /home/alice/GitHub/econ-ark/ballpark)

NOT expected: Path starting with C: or containing backslashes

If verification fails (Windows users)

  1. Open a new terminal
  2. Type wsl and press Enter
  3. You should see your prompt change (often to username@machine:~$)
  4. Run the verifications again

Once all verifications pass, proceed with the workflow.

Common mistake: Wrong directory

Many workflows require you to be in a specific directory (usually ~/GitHub/econ-ark/ballpark).

Check your current directory:

pwd

Navigate to ballpark if needed:

cd ~/GitHub/econ-ark/ballpark

Being in the wrong directory is one of the most common causes of errors. Always verify your location before running commands.