> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://modelmesh.gitbook.io/cline-zhong-wen-ban-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://modelmesh.gitbook.io/cline-zhong-wen-ban-docs/getting-started/for-new-coders.md).

# For New Coders

Welcome to Cline, your AI-powered coding companion! This guide will help you quickly set up your development environment and begin your coding journey with ease.

> 💡 **Tip:** If you're completely new to coding, take your time with each step. There's no rush — Cline is here to guide you!

#### 🚀 Getting Started <a href="#getting-started" id="getting-started"></a>

Before you jump into coding, make sure you have these essentials ready:

**1. VS Code**

A popular, free, and powerful code editor.

* [Download VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/)

📺 **Recommended YouTube Tutorial:** [How to Install VS Code](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlIzFUI1QGA)

> ✅ **Pro Tip:** Install VS Code in your Applications folder (macOS) or Program Files (Windows) for easy access from your dock or start menu.

**2. Essential Development Tools**

Basic software required for coding efficiently:

* Homebrew (macOS)
* Node.js
* Git

👉 Follow our detailed guide on Installing Essential Development Tools with step-by-step help from Cline.

📺 **Recommended YouTube Tutorials:**

* **For macOS:**
  * [Install Homebrew on Mac](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwGNgVbqasc)
  * [Install Git on MacOS 2024](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4qsvQ5IqWk)
  * [Install Node.js on Mac (M1 | M2 | M3)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8H4wolRFBk)
* **For Windows:**
  * [Install Git on Windows 10/11 (2024)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjxv1HuRQy0)
  * [Install Node.js in Windows 10/11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCgAuOYpJd0)

> ⚠️ **Note:** If you run into permission issues during installation, try running your terminal or command prompt as an administrator.

**3. Organize Your Projects**

Create a dedicated folder named `Cline` in your Documents folder for all your coding projects:

* **macOS:** `/Users/[your-username]/Documents/Cline`
* **Windows:** `C:\Users\[your-username]\Documents\Cline`

Inside your `Cline` folder, structure projects clearly:

* `Documents/Cline/workout-app` *(e.g., for a fitness tracking app)*
* `Documents/Cline/portfolio-website` *(e.g., to showcase your work)*

> 💡 **Tip:** Keeping your projects organized from the start will save you time and confusion later!

**4. Install the Cline VS Code Extension**

Enhance your coding workflow by installing the Cline extension directly within VS Code:

* Get Started with Cline Extension Tutorial

📺 **Recommended YouTube Tutorial:** [How To Install Extensions in VS Code](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7trgwZa-mk)

> ✅ **Pro Tip:** After installing, reload VS Code to ensure the extension is activated properly.

🎉 You're all set! Dive in and start coding smarter and faster with **Cline**.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://modelmesh.gitbook.io/cline-zhong-wen-ban-docs/getting-started/for-new-coders.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
