Installing Dev Essentials

When you start coding, you'll need some essential development tools installed on your computer. Cline can help you install everything you need in a safe, guided way.

The Essential Tools

Here are the core tools you'll need for development:

• Node.js & npm: Required for JavaScript and web development

• Git: For tracking changes in your code and collaborating with others

• Package Managers: Tools that make it easy to install other development tools (Homebrew for macOS, Chocolatey for Windows, apt/yum for Linux)

Let Cline Install Everything

Copy one of these prompts based on your operating system and paste it into Cline:

For macOS

Hello Cline! I need help setting up my Mac for software development. Could you please help me install the essential development tools like Homebrew, Node.js, Git, and any other core utilities that are commonly needed for coding? I'd like you to guide me through the process step-by-step.

For Windows

Hello Cline! I need help setting up my Windows PC for software development. Could you please help me install the essential development tools like Node.js, Git, and any other core utilities that are commonly needed for coding? I'd like you to guide me through the process step-by-step.

For Linux

Hello Cline! I need help setting up my Linux system for software development. Could you please help me install the essential development tools like Node.js, Git, and any other core utilities that are commonly needed for coding? I'd like you to guide me through the process step-by-step.

What Will Happen

1. Cline will guide you through installing the appropriate package manager for your system

2. Using the package manager, Cline will then install essential tools like Node.js and Git

3. For each installation step:

   • Cline will show you the exact command it wants to run

   • You'll need to approve each command before it runs

   • Cline will verify each installation was successful

Why These Tools Are Important

• Node.js & npm: Required for:

  • Building websites with React or Next.js

  • Running JavaScript code

  • Installing JavaScript packages

• Git: Helps you:

  • Save different versions of your code

  • Collaborate with other developers

  • Back up your work

• Package Managers: Make it easy to install and update development tools on your system

Notes

• The installation process is interactive - Cline will guide you through each step

• You may need to enter your computer's password for some installations

• All commands will be shown to you for approval before they run

• If you run into any issues, Cline will help troubleshoot them

Additional Tips for New Coders

Understanding the Terminal

The Terminal is an application where you can type commands to interact with your computer. On macOS, you can open it by searching for "Terminal" in Spotlight.

Example:

$ open -a Terminal

Understanding VS Code Features

Terminal in VS Code

The Terminal in VS Code allows you to run commands directly from within the editor. You can open it by going to View > Terminal or by pressing Ctrl + `.

Example:

$ node -v
v16.14.0

Document View

The Document View is where you edit your code files. You can open files by clicking on them in the Explorer panel on the left side of the screen.

Problems Section

The Problems section in VS Code shows any errors or warnings in your code. You can access it by clicking on the lightbulb icon or by going to View > Problems.

Common Features

• Command Line Interface (CLI): This is a text-based interface where you type commands to interact with your computer. It might seem intimidating at first, but it's a powerful tool for developers.

• Permissions: Sometimes, you will need to give permissions to certain applications or commands. This is a security measure to ensure that only trusted applications can make changes to your system.

Next Steps

After installing these tools, you'll be ready to start coding! Return to the Getting Started with Cline for New Coders guide to continue your journey.