Setup: Development Environment
Overview
This setup activity will prepare you with the development tools and services necessary to complete the assigned activities and projects in the course.
All of these tools and services are free to use for the duration of the
course. You do NOT need to purchase any software or services nor provide a credit card to
complete this course.
Instructions
Code Editor
- Visual Studio Code
– Verify that you have an up-to-date, working instance of VS Code running and install or
update as needed.
- To Check for Updates: In VS Code, click on
Help -> Check for Updates...
Reference: 📑 VS Code Documentation.
- To Check for Updates: In VS Code, click on
Version Control: Git
- Verify that you have Git installed by opening a terminal (Mac) or CMD prompt/PowerShell
(Windows) and typing
git --version. If you get an error, you need to install or update Git.
Hosting: GitHub
- A GitHub account is
required. If you already have a GitHub account, use it.
You will be creating repositories as needed as you work through the assigned tutorials and assignments.
You do NOT need a separate GitHub account for this class.
Server Environment / Manager
- Node / Node Package Manager – Verify and install/update the recommended LTS (Long Term Support) version of Node.js. Follow the instructions for your operating system found in this Node.js setup page.
Serverless Platform
- Vercel
- Sign up for a Vercel account using your GitHub account [Continue with GitHub]
- Verify your email address
- Install the Vercel CLI by opening a terminal (Mac) or CMD prompt/PowerShell (Windows)
and typing
npm i -g vercel
You will be deploying an application to Vercel later in the course.
Additional Resources
Make sure that you are familiar with how to use the command prompt for your operating system. Here are some quick starts for the command line for Mac and the command line for Windows if you need a review.