# Lesson 02: IDE Installation

**Get your workspace set up with Cursor or VS Code**

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## What You'll Do

- Choose between Cursor and VS Code
- Download and install your IDE
- Complete first-launch setup
- Sign in with GitHub

**Time:** 10 minutes

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## What is an IDE?

**IDE = Integrated Development Environment**

Your workspace for creating specifications. Like Microsoft Word, but for design files.

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## Step 1: Choose Your IDE

### Cursor (Recommended)

**Why Cursor:**
- Built for AI assistance
- Modern interface
- Perfect for WDS
- **Download:** <https://cursor.sh>

### VS Code (Alternative)

**Why VS Code:**
- Industry standard
- More extensions
- Works great with WDS too
- **Download:** <https://code.visualstudio.com>

**For beginners:** Choose Cursor. It's designed for AI-augmented work.

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## Step 2: Install Cursor

### 2.1 Download

1. Go to **<https://cursor.sh>**
2. Click download button for your platform
3. Wait for download

### 2.2 Install

**Windows:**
1. Double-click the `.exe` file
2. Follow installer prompts
3. Use default settings
4. Click "Finish"

**Mac:**
1. Open the download
2. Drag Cursor to Applications folder
3. Open Applications folder
4. Double-click Cursor to launch

**Linux:**
1. Follow installation instructions for your distribution

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## Step 3: First Launch Setup

1. Open Cursor for the first time
2. Choose your theme (Light or Dark - you can change this later)

### 3.1 Setup Wizard

Cursor will ask you a few questions:

- **"Import settings from VS Code?"** → Skip (unless you already use VS Code)
- **"Sign in with GitHub?"** → Yes! (makes cloning easier)
- **"Install recommended extensions?"** → Yes

**✅ Checkpoint:** Cursor is open and ready

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## Install VS Code (Alternative)

If you chose VS Code instead:

### Download and Install

1. Go to **<https://code.visualstudio.com>**
2. Download for your platform
3. Follow same installation steps as Cursor above
4. Complete first-launch setup
5. Sign in with GitHub when prompted

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## Verify Installation

### Open the Terminal

This is important for upcoming lessons!

**Windows / Linux:**
- Press **Ctrl + `** (backtick key, usually above Tab)

**Mac:**
- Press **Cmd + `** (backtick key)

**You should see a terminal panel appear at the bottom!**

**✅ Checkpoint:** Terminal opens successfully

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## Troubleshooting

**Issue:** Can't find download  
**Solution:** Check your Downloads folder

**Issue:** Mac says "Cannot open - unidentified developer"  
**Solution:** Right-click Cursor → Click "Open" → Click "Open" again

**Issue:** Terminal won't open  
**Solution:** View menu → Terminal → New Terminal

**Issue:** GitHub sign-in fails  
**Solution:** You can skip for now, we'll handle it later

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## What's Next?

Your IDE is ready! Now let's understand Git and how your IDE handles it automatically.

**[Continue to Lesson 03: Git Configuration →](../lesson-03-git-setup/tutorial.md)**

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