Developer Environment Setup

Get your machine ready for professional software development. Install and configure VS Code, learn the terminal, set up Node.js, and explore AI-powered coding with Cursor.

9 lessons · 1 quizzes

~3 hours

Course Curriculum

Up nextLesson 1: How the Web Works — Browsers, Servers, and the Internet

Before writing a single line of code, every developer needs to understand what actually happens when you type a URL. Discover browsers, servers, DNS, HTTP, and the roles of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

25 min

Lesson 2: Installing VS Code — Your First Spellbook

Every developer needs a great code editor. Learn how to download and install Visual Studio Code on Windows, macOS, and Linux, then take your first tour of the interface.

16 min

Lesson 3: VS Code Extensions — Equipping Your Spellbook

A plain VS Code installation is powerful, but extensions transform it into a specialized web development powerhouse. Learn the essential extensions every web developer needs and exactly how to install them.

18 min

Lesson 4: VS Code Settings and Keybindings — Mastering Your Tools

A properly configured VS Code saves hours every week. Learn the essential settings, the perfect settings.json configuration, and the keyboard shortcuts that professional developers have memorized.

21 min

Lesson 5: The Terminal — Talking to Your Computer

The terminal is the most powerful tool on your computer and the one most beginners avoid. Learn how to open it, navigate your file system, create and delete files, and feel completely comfortable at the command line.

20 min

Lesson 6: Installing Node.js and npm — The Engine Under the Hood

Node.js is the runtime that powers every development tool in this course. Learn how to install it correctly using nvm, understand the difference between npm, npx, and pnpm, and run your first JavaScript outside the browser.

16 min

Lesson 7: Upgrading to Cursor — Your AI-Powered Co-Pilot

Cursor is a VS Code fork with AI built directly into the editor. Learn how to install it, import your VS Code setup instantly, and use Tab autocomplete, inline editing, and the Composer agent to write code faster and smarter.

17 min

Lesson 8: Cursor Extensions and Workflow Tips — Leveling Up Your Environment

Go beyond the basics with Cursor. Learn the complete AI-assisted development workflow, the most useful keybindings, how to use AI as a learning tool rather than a crutch, and when to put the AI away and think for yourself.

17 min

QuizLesson 9: Section 0 Review Quiz — Dev Environment Mastery Check

Test your Section 0 knowledge — the web, VS Code, Cursor, the terminal, Node.js, and npm — before advancing to Git and GitHub.

19 min