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 v18.17.1 or v20.3.0 or later. (v19 is not supported.)

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

node -v

// Example output
v18.17.1

If the command returns a version number higher than v18.17.1 or v20.3.0 (excluding any v19), you’re good to go!

If the command returns an error message like Command 'node' not found, or a version number lower than the required, 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.

We’ll use…

This tutorial will use VS Code, but you can use any editor for your operating system.

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?

   1. web browser

   2. Terminal

   3. VS Code

   Submit

2. An online version control provider for your repository?

   1. GitHub

   2. Terminal

   3. VS Code

   Submit

3. An application for running commands?

   1. GitHub

   2. Terminal

   3. web browser

   Submit

Checklist for moving on

Section titled Checklist for moving on

• I can access the command line in a terminal.
• I have Node.js installed.
• I have a code editor like VS Code.

Resources

Section titled Resources

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