Your Computer Science Student Toolkit
Other • Linux
Programming, version control, databases, networking and more for computer science students.
Who this toolkit is for
For computer science students from GCSE to postgraduate. Courses use different languages, so start with the essentials and add modules for what you're studying now.
Choose any modules to see the tools for them. Without a module, module tools appear under Specialist / Optional.
Essential (6)
Core tools that are broadly useful.
Code Editor / IDE
Why you may need this: A flexible code editor for programming assignments, scripting and web modules.
Flatpak (verified)flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.code
Programming Languages
Version Control
Office / Documents
LibreOfficeOpen Source
Why you may need this: A free office suite for essays, spreadsheets and presentations.
APT (verified)sudo apt install libreoffice
Research / Citation
Database Tools
- DBeaver Community
Open Source
Why you may need this: Connect to databases and practise SQL queries.
For the Databases module
Flatpak (verified)flatpak install flathub io.dbeaver.DBeaverCommunity
Recommended (5)
Useful for particular parts of the work or course.
Office / Documents
- Microsoft 365
PaidAlso on Android, iPhone/iPad, Web
Why you may need this: Word, Excel and PowerPoint are common for coursework; many institutions provide it free.
Open web appCheck your university access
Your university or college may provide this software or a student licence. Check before purchasing.
Prefer a free option? LibreOffice, ONLYOFFICE Desktop · Compare alternatives
Web Development
- Node.js
Open Source
Why you may need this: Run JavaScript tooling for web development coursework. Also useful for Programming.
For the Web Development module
APT (verified)sudo apt install nodejs 
Mozilla FirefoxOpen SourceAlso on Android, iPhone/iPad
Why you may need this: Test and debug your web pages with developer tools.
For the Web Development module
APT (verified)sudo apt install firefox
Networking
Why you may need this: Simulate networks for networking labs.
For the Networking module
View official installation instructions
WiresharkOpen Source
Why you may need this: Inspect traffic to understand protocols.
For the Networking module
APT (verified)sudo apt install wireshark
Specialist / Optional · Show specialist tools (4)
Consider these for particular modules, tasks or environments.
Research / Notes
API Tools
Database Tools
Containers
Docker DesktopFreemium
Why you may need this: Reproduce project environments.
For the Software Engineering module
View official installation instructions
Course requirements vary. Software requirements differ between schools, colleges, universities and modules. Check your course materials before purchasing software.
Build your student setup
Build My Setup lets you add or remove apps, see why each is included and, where verified packages exist, get one install command. Nothing is installed automatically.