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Set Up Repos Folder on Mac/Linux

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for completing required setup tasks on a computer running macOS or Linux.

All course repositories should be stored in a single folder named Repos inside your local home directory.

Task 1: Create ~/Repos in Your Home Directory

Your home directory is:

  • macOS: /Users/<username>
  • Linux: /home/<username>

The Repos folder should be created directly inside your home directory and should not be inside any cloud-synced location (such as iCloud Desktop or Documents on macOS).

Steps

  1. Open Finder (macOS) or your file manager (Linux).
  2. Navigate to your home directory:
  3. macOS: Go → Home (or press Command + Shift + H)
  4. Linux: Open your Home folder
  5. Right-click (or Control-click) and select New Folder.
  6. Name the folder Repos (capitalize the R).

Verify

  • Confirm the folder path is:
  • macOS: ~/Repos
  • Linux: ~/Repos
  • Ensure the folder is not inside Desktop, Documents, or any synced folder.

Task 2: Organize Repositories Inside Repos

Each GitHub repository you use will have its own folder inside the Repos directory.

Verify

  • Open the Repos folder.
  • All cloned repositories should live directly inside this folder (for example: ~/Repos/applied-computing-foundations).

Task 3: Show Hidden Files and File Extensions

Hidden files (such as .git) are commonly used in computing and programming work and must be visible.

Steps

  1. macOS: Press Command + Shift + . (period) to toggle hidden files.
  2. Linux: Press Ctrl + H to show or hide hidden files in most file managers.

Verify

  • Navigate into any cloned repository.
  • Confirm you can see hidden files such as .git.

Task 4: OPTIONAL: Set File Manager Preferences

You may customize Finder or your file manager for easier navigation.

Steps

  1. macOS:
  2. Open Finder / Settings (or Preferences) / Sidebar
  3. Add your Home directory or Repos folder to the sidebar
  4. Linux:
  5. Adjust file manager settings to show hidden files by default, if desired

Tips & Troubleshooting

  • Accidentally moved a file? Use Finder's or your file manager's search feature to locate it.