# Prepare your dev environment

> Tutorial: Build your first Astro blog —
Install the local tools that you’ll need to complete the tutorial

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”](#get-the-dev-tools-you-need)

### Terminal

[Section titled “Terminal”](#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”](#nodejs)

For Astro to run on your system, you will also need to have a compatible version of [**Node.js**](https://nodejs.org/en/) installed. Astro supports **even-numbered** Node.js versions. The current minimum supported versions of each are: `v18.20.8`, `v20.3.0`, and `v22.0.0`. (`v19` and `v21` are not supported.)

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

```sh
node -v


// Example output
v18.20.8
```

If the command returns a version number supported by Astro, 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](https://docs.npmjs.com/downloading-and-installing-node-js-and-npm).

### Code Editor

[Section titled “Code Editor”](#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](https://code.visualstudio.com/#alt-downloads) or another code editor of your choice.

### Test your knowledge

[Section titled “Test your knowledge”](#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”](#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”](#resources)

* [FreeCodeCamp.org](https://freecodecamp.org) external — a free educational site with full courses or quick refreshers in HTML, CSS, JS, and more.