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Prepare your dev environment

Get ready to…

  • Install any tools that you will use to build your Astro website

Get the dev tools you need

Section titled Get the dev tools you need

Terminal

Section titled Terminal

You will use a command line (terminal) to create your Astro project and to run key commands to build, develop, and test your site.

You can access the command line through a local terminal program for your operating system. Common applications include Terminal (MacOS/Linux), Command Prompt (Windows), and Termux (Android). One of these will probably already be on your machine.

Node.js

Section titled Node.js

For Astro to run on your system, you will also need to have Node.js installed, version v18.14.1 or later.

To check to see whether you already have a compatible version installed, run the following command in your terminal:

Terminal window
node -v


// Example output
v18.14.1

If the command returns a version number higher than v18.14.1, you’re good to go!

If the command returns an error message like Command 'node' not found, or a version number lower than v18.14.1, then you need to install a compatible Node.js version.

Code Editor

Section titled Code Editor

Additionally, you will need to download and install a code editor to write your code.

  1. Download and install VS Code or another code editor of your choice.

Test your knowledge

Section titled Test your knowledge

Which of the following is…

  1. A code editor, for making changes to your files and their content?

  2. An online version control provider for your repository?

  3. An application for running commands?

Checklist for moving on

Section titled Checklist for moving on

Resources

Section titled Resources

  • FreeCodeCamp.org external — a free educational site with full courses or quick refreshers in HTML, CSS, JS, and more.