# Lesson 02: IDE Installation

**Get your workspace ready**

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## What You'll Do

- Choose IDE (Cursor or VS Code)
- Install and configure
- Verify terminal works

**Time:** 10 minutes

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## Step 1: Choose Your IDE

### Cursor (Recommended)

- Built for AI assistance
- Perfect for WDS
- Download: <https://cursor.sh>

### VS Code (Alternative)

- Industry standard
- Works great too
- Download: <https://code.visualstudio.com>

**For beginners:** Choose Cursor

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## Step 2: Install

**Windows:**
1. Run `.exe` file
2. Click through installer
3. Use defaults

**Mac:**
1. Open download
2. Drag to Applications
3. Open from Applications

**Linux:**
Follow distro instructions

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## Step 3: First Launch

1. Choose theme (Light/Dark)
2. **Sign in with GitHub** → Yes!
3. Install recommended extensions → Yes

**✅ Checkpoint:** IDE open

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## Step 4: Verify Terminal

Press **Ctrl+`** (Win/Linux) or **Cmd+`** (Mac)

**✅ Checkpoint:** Terminal panel appears

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## Troubleshooting

**Issue:** Can't find download → Check Downloads folder  
**Issue:** Mac "unidentified developer" → Right-click → Open  
**Issue:** Terminal won't open → View menu → Terminal → New Terminal

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## What's Next?

IDE ready! Now clone your Git repository.

**[Continue to Lesson 03: Git Repository Cloning →](../lesson-03-git-cloning/02-full-lesson.md)**

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*Part of Module 02: Installation & Setup*  
*[← Back to Module Overview](../module-02-overview.md)*

