For New Coders
Last updated
Last updated
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!
Before you jump into coding, make sure you have these essentials ready:
1. VS Code
A popular, free, and powerful code editor.
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✅ 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.
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For macOS:
For Windows:
⚠️ 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
✅ 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.
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