Before diving into the exciting world of JavaScript, let’s set up your development environment for a seamless learning and development experience.

1. Choose a Browser

Since JavaScript runs in the browser, you’ll need one to test your code. If you already have a browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, you’re good to go. However, if you’re looking for something fresh, I recommend trying Arc. Arc is an innovative browser with:

• A collapsible sidebar for better focus.
• Customizable spaces to organize work.
• Full-screen views without the traditional top bar.

That said, any browser will work perfectly fine for this course, so use the one you’re most comfortable with.

All browsers offer amazing include developer tools allowing you to do range of things, from inspecting currently-loaded HTML, CSS and JavaScript to showing which assets the page has requested and how long they took to load.

You can open dev tools in any browser by right-clicking the site and clicking inspect. You can also use the shortcut: + + (on Mac) or on your keyboard.

2. Install Node.js

Although this course doesn’t cover backend development, having Node.js installed is a great idea. It allows you to run JavaScript outside the browser, and it’s a must-have if you plan to explore tools like package managers or frameworks in the future.

• Head to Node.js and download the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version.

• Installation is straightforward and varies slightly based on your operating system.

3. Install Git

While it's not mandatory to have Git installed for this course, it's absolutely essential for your growth as a developer. It's non-negotiable.

You can download Git from it's website.

And if you haven’t used it before, I’ll link our complete Git and GitHub Course so you can learn how to use them quickly and effectively.

4. Choose a Code Editor

Your is where you’ll spend most of your time writing JavaScript.

Here are two popular options:

• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Lightweight, highly customizable, andpacked with features. It’s the editor I’ll use throughout this course.

Feel free to explore themes to personalize your editor’s appearance. I personally use the Catppuccin Mocha theme for a dark and sleek look.

5. Keep It Simple

You don’t need to install every tool or extension right now. Start with the basics and add as you go. The goal is to have an environment that feels intuitive and supports your learning.

With your environment ready, you’re all set to dive into this course!