The kit runs on Mac, Windows and Linux. At a minimum you’ll need node.js (install instructions below) and a web browser.
This guide recommends additional software which will be used in later guides.
If you have admin access to your machine, you can follow this guide to install the required software.
If you do not have admin access, ask your computer administrator to install:
- Node.js 4.x.x
- Sublime Text 3
- Command line tools (Mac)
- Git bash (Windows)
You'll need a terminal application to install, start and stop the kit. Using a terminal is sometimes called ‘using the command line’.
Macs come with Terminal.app. It’s located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder. You can also find it using spotlight (magnifying glass icon in the top right) and typing 'terminal'.
This guide will use Git Bash as a terminal instead of the existing CMD application. Git Bash is more fully featured and uses the same commands as Mac and Linux, so instructions in this guide work for all.
Installing git bash installs two things for you: a terminal (for entering commands), and git (used later to share your work with others).
Download Git bash (direct download).
Install with all default options.
Commands to be entered in to the terminal will be inset like this:
command to be typed in to terminal
Once you’ve typed the command, press enter to send it.
The kit is designed to work with Node.js version 4 LTS. The kit works with any 4.x.x version.
In terminal (git bash in Windows):
node --version
If it says command not found or Error 0x2 starting node.exe --version you don’t have node and will need to download and install it.
If it says 4.3.0 (or other 4.x.x version) you have the correct version installed.
If it says another number such as 0.12 or 5.x.x, you need to download and install version 4.
Download version 4 from nodejs.org.
Run the installer with all default options.
Follow the instructions on the Node.js site. Make sure you get version 4, not 5.
You’ll need to quit and restart the terminal to be able to use Node for the first time.
To check it is installed correctly you can again run:
node --version
If it’s installed correctly it should say 4.3.0 (or other 4.x.x version)
You’ll need a text editor to edit and make changes to your prototype. We recommend Sublime Text - instructions later on will refer to Sublime Text.
Mac users will need the OSx Command line tools.
In terminal:
xcode-select --install
If you already have command line tools, this will display xcode-select: error: command line tools are already installed, use "Software Update" to install updates.
If you don’t have command line tools, it will open an installer. Follow the instructions to install the command line tools.