# Environment Setup

URL: https://ionicframework.com/docs/intro/environment

To get started with Ionic Framework, the only requirement is a [Node & npm](#node--npm) environment.

Of course, a code editor is also required. [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) is recommended. Visual Studio Code is a free, batteries-included text editor made by Microsoft.

## Terminal

**Note**

Much of Ionic development requires familiarity with the command line. If you're new to the command line, refer to the [New to the Command Line](https://ionicframework.com/blog/new-to-the-command-line/) blog post for a quick introduction.

In general, we recommend using the built-in terminals. Many third-party terminals work well with Ionic, but may not be supported.

- For Windows, **Command Prompt** and **PowerShell** are supported. [WSL](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/faq) is known to work with Ionic, but may not be supported.
- For macOS, the built-in **Terminal** app is supported.
Git Bash (from [git-scm.com](https://git-scm.com)) does not support TTY interactivity and is **not supported** by Ionic.

## Node & npm

Almost all tooling for modern JavaScript projects is based in [Node.js](/docs/reference/glossary.md#node). The [download page](https://nodejs.org/en/download/) has prebuilt installation packages for all platforms. We recommend selecting the LTS version to ensure best compatibility.

Node is bundled with [npm](/docs/reference/glossary.md#npm), the package manager for JavaScript.

To verify the installation, open a new terminal window and run:

```shell
$ node --version
$ npm --version
```

**Note**

Permission errors are common on macOS when installing global packages with `npm`. If you get an `EACCES` error, refer to [Resolving Permission Errors](/docs/developing/tips.md#resolving-permission-errors).

## Git

Although not required, the version control system [Git](/docs/reference/glossary.md#git) is highly recommended.

Git is often accompanied by a Git Host, such as [GitHub](https://github.com/), in which case additional setup is required. Follow the tutorial from the Git Host's documentation to set up Git:

- GitHub: [Set up Git](https://help.github.com/en/articles/set-up-git)
- GitLab: [Installing Git](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/topics/git/how_to_install_git)
- Bitbucket: [Install Git](https://www.atlassian.com/git/tutorials/install-git)
Otherwise, follow the [official installation instructions](https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2/Getting-Started-Installing-Git). The command-line utility can be downloaded from the [download page](https://git-scm.com/downloads).

To verify the installation, open a new terminal window and run:

```shell
git --version
```

### Git GUI

Git is a command-line utility, but there are many [GUI clients](https://git-scm.com/downloads/guis/) available. [GitHub Desktop](https://desktop.github.com/) is recommended, and works well with GitHub.