# Getting Started with Coding Setup A beginner-friendly guide to setting up your development environment and essential coding tools. This guide focuses on practical setup instructions and security best practices for non-technical people who want to leverage coding tools in their workflows. ## Quick Start Guide ### What You'll Learn - Set up essential development tools safely - Configure your environment for productivity - Implement security best practices - Create efficient coding workflows - Use AI-powered development tools ### Prerequisites - A computer with internet access - Basic computer literacy - Willingness to learn new tools - No prior coding experience required ## AI Tools Setup ### Claude Code Setup Set up Claude Code with AI assistance, custom prompts, and workflow optimization. **[→ Claude Code Setup Guide](ai-tools/claude-code-setup.md)** ### Cursor Setup Install and configure Cursor with AI assistance, keyboard shortcuts, and productivity tips. **[→ Cursor Setup Guide](ai-tools/cursor-setup.md)** ### Gemini CLI Setup Install and configure Google Gemini CLI with API keys, authentication, and workflow integration. **[→ Gemini CLI Setup Guide](ai-tools/gemini-cli-setup.md)** ### WISPR Flow Setup Set up WISPR Flow platform for workflow automation and custom automation workflows. **[→ WISPR Flow Setup Guide](ai-tools/wispr-flow-setup.md)** ### n8n Setup Set up n8n for workflow automation and AI integration. **[→ n8n Setup Guide](ai-tools/n8n-setup.md)** ### Headless Agent Orchestration Learn how to implement parallel processing with multiple AI agents using event-driven architecture patterns. **[→ Headless Agent Orchestration Guide](ai-tools/HEADLESS_AGENT_ORCHESTRATION.md)** ## Development Tools Setup ### Git Setup Master Git basics, set up GitHub/GitLab accounts, and learn collaboration and branching fundamentals. **[→ Git Setup Guide](dev-tooling/git-setup.md)** ### NPM Setup Understand npm, package.json files, dependency management, and security considerations for packages. **[→ NPM Setup Guide](dev-tooling/npm-setup.md)** ### Oh My Zsh Setup Configure Oh My Zsh for enhanced terminal experience with themes, plugins, and productivity features. **[→ Oh My Zsh Setup Guide](dev-tooling/oh-my-zsh-setup.md)** ## Security Best Practices ### Development Security Master API key management, environment variable security, Git security, and package scanning. **[→ Development Security Guide](security/development-security.md)** ## Ready to Build an AI App? Once you've got the basics set up, you might want to start building your own AI web app. Here's a great starting template that makes it easy. ### AI Web App Starter Template After setting up your tools, use this template to build modern AI apps fast. It has everything already connected - user accounts, payments, database, and more. **[→ McKay's App Template](https://github.com/mckaywrigley/mckays-app-template)** - Copy this template to start building right away **What's included:** Next.js, user login, payments, database, modern design **Perfect for:** Building AI tools, SaaS apps, or any web project **Why it's good:** 1,900+ developers already use it **Want to learn more?** Check out [McKay's AI development course](https://www.jointakeoff.com/) for step-by-step tutorials on building with AI tools. --- *Last Updated: 2025-08-03*