System Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | MacOS preferred (Windows/Linux work with slight differences) |
| Internet Connection | Stable broadband — AI tools run via cloud APIs |
| Browser | Chrome, Edge, or Arc recommended |
| Terminal Access | You'll need to run simple shell commands |
If you're on Windows, install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for the smoothest experience.
Accounts You'll Need
Set these up ahead of time — most take only 2–3 minutes:
| Service | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | Host your code and connect to Vercel | github.com/join |
| Vercel | Instantly deploy your app to the web | vercel.com/signup |
| Supabase | User authentication and database | supabase.com |
| Cursor | AI-powered coding environment | cursor.com |
| Claude | AI partner (for Cursor & Claude Code) | claude.ai |
Sign in with the same GitHub account across tools where possible to simplify authentication.
Optional Paid Tools
While workshops can be completed using free tiers, some features require premium access for future projects:
- Cursor Pro — Select specific models (Claude, GPT-4, etc.)
- Claude Pro (Anthropic) — Extended context or Claude Code CLI access
- OpenAI API — If you want to explore additional AI SDK integrations
Software to Install
| Tool | Download Link | Check Command |
|---|---|---|
| Cursor IDE | cursor.com | (Open app) |
| Node.js (LTS) | nodejs.org | node -v |
| pnpm | Installs with Node | pnpm -v |
| Git | git-scm.com/downloads | git --version |
| Supabase CLI | supabase.com/docs/guides/cli | supabase --version |
AI Access Notes
| Tool | Access Notes |
|---|---|
| Cursor | Free plan includes Claude; Pro allows model switching |
| Claude Code (CLI) | Requires Claude Pro or Anthropic API key |
| v0.dev | 100% free — no API key required |
| Supabase | Free tier with generous limits (no credit card) |
| Vercel | Free for hobby projects |
Preparation Checklist
- Install Node.js, pnpm, Git, and Cursor
- Create accounts for GitHub, Vercel, Supabase, Claude, and v0.dev
- Log in to Cursor before class and test the terminal
- Join sessions on a computer (not a tablet or phone)
- Optional: Have a free Claude Pro or Cursor Pro trial ready
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Uninstalled Node.js or Git — You'll get 'command not found' errors
- Not logged into Cursor — AI suggestions won't work during the build
- Supabase project not linked — Auth pages will fail to load
- Firewall or corporate network — May block pnpm install or vercel deploy
- Old hardware — Slower package installs; close extra apps before class