In the previous post we showed you how to build reusable cloud software stacks for your team or students to instantly begin developing on difficult to setup technology stacks. Stacks snapshot the system, but not the project files in the workspace folder. In this post we are going to show you how to create Codio Starter Packs which bundle project files with a technology stack to create powerful reusable project templates.
This guide will continue from the previous project we created for our Lua stack. We will add some new Lua files and a readme file for users. Do you see the highlighted project files in the screenshot below, they will all be bundled into our starter pack.
When you have made all the changes you would like to see in your pack, navigate back to the Codio dashboard and select the Starter Pack tab on the left and click the New Pack button on the top right. The first thing a starter pack needs is a project to get workspace files from, select the project we just edited. Since only the workspace is being bundled from the selected project, Codio needs to know what technology to run these files on. Select the technology stack your starter pack will use (your stack and starter pack can be created from the same project). Give your pack a name, fill out some additional details and lastly decide whether it will be public or private. You can still share private packs with members of your organisation. Once you are happy with the setup, go ahead and create it.
Now that we have created our starter pack, let's create a new project and user the pack as the starting point so that both the technology stack and workspace files are setup and ready to use. To select a pack as a starting point click the click here link from the paragraph "Want more options? Click here to import, or select an alternative software configuration."
Then select Starter Pack and browse for the starter pack you would like to use. Give your project a name, choose its visibility and create it.
Notice how your new project has all the workspace files from the source project. Any changes you make to this project will not affect the original.
Codio Starter Packs are great for creating custom project templates that can be reused by team members or students. Try bundling your frequently used resources into a starter pack to save you and your students time when creating new projects.
To stay up to date on our teacher resources and product development, follow us on our blog, Twitter or Facebook.
