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This tutorial guides you through building and deploying your first AI-powered application using Dev Kit for AI. We’ll start by setting up your development environment.

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Prerequisites Checklist

Before you begin, ensure you have:
Check your version:
node --version
Should show v19.0.0 or higher.Install or upgrade:
  • macOS: brew install node or download from nodejs.org
  • Windows: Download installer from nodejs.org
  • Linux: Use your package manager or nvm
Choose one of:
  • npm (included with Node.js)
  • pnpm: npm install -g pnpm
  • yarn: npm install -g yarn
This tutorial uses npm, but commands work with any package manager.
Check installation:
git --version
Install if needed:
  • macOS: brew install git
  • Windows: Download from git-scm.com
  • Linux: sudo apt install git or equivalent
Recommended editors:Any editor with TypeScript support works.
Create an account:
  1. Visit devkit4ai.com/register/developer
  2. Complete registration with email and password
  3. Save your credentials when shown
What you’ll get:
  • Developer key (starts with dk_)
  • Project ID (UUID format)
  • Project API key (starts with pk_)
See Cloud Admin Getting Started for details.

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Optional Tools

These tools enhance your development experience but aren’t required:

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Docker Desktop

When you need it: Only if you plan to run the backend API locally for development or contribution. For this tutorial: Not needed - we’ll use the hosted Cloud API. Install:
  • Download from docker.com
  • Follow installation instructions for your OS

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Mintlify CLI

When you need it: If you want to preview documentation changes locally. For this tutorial: Not needed - documentation is already online. Install: 
npm install -g mintlify

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Workspace Setup

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Create a Project Directory

Organize your work in a dedicated folder: 
mkdir ~/projects/my-ai-app
cd ~/projects/my-ai-app

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Verify Your Environment

Run these checks to ensure everything is ready:
1

Check Node.js

node --version
npm --version
Both commands should complete successfully.
2

Check Git

git --version
Should show Git version 2.x or higher.
3

Test Cloud API connection

curl https://api.vibecoding.ad/health
Should return {"status":"healthy"} or similar.

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Get Your Credentials Ready

You’ll need these values from Cloud Admin: 
# Developer Key
DEVKIT4AI_DEVELOPER_KEY=dk_your_actual_key_here

# Project ID  
DEVKIT4AI_PROJECT_ID=your-uuid-here

# Project API Key
DEVKIT4AI_PROJECT_KEY=ak_your_actual_key_here
Keep these handy: You’ll paste them into your environment file in the next step. Store them securely in a password manager.

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What’s Next

Your environment is ready! The next steps will:
  1. Clone the Starter Kit from GitHub
  2. Configure environment variables with your credentials
  3. Start the development server and verify everything works
  4. Customize the UI to match your brand
  5. Deploy to production on your hosting provider

Clone Starter Kit

Download and install the template

Configure & Connect

Set up environment variables

Customize UI

Update branding and styling

Deploy

Launch to production