Use a platform implementation path alongside the Student Computing Foundations when its instructions match your computer and course requirements. A platform path applies the shared principles; it does not replace them. Choose the Windows, macOS, or Linux path that owns the environment where the course work runs.
If you use Windows and are deciding between native Windows and Windows Subsystem for Linux, begin with the Windows path’s WSL decision guide. After choosing WSL for a project, use relevant Linux guidance inside that distribution without treating the Windows and Linux filesystems or package managers as interchangeable.