ππ½A few things to note:
<aside>
- Paste the below prompt into Claude.ai
- Insert the {device} and make sure your OS is Mac when copying this prompt.
- Your set up is done once you have the 5 core tools ready. Node.js + Claude Code are optional β only install them if you plan to use Claude Code as a backup when Lovable credits run low. You will be ready to vibe code π
π If you have any errors, copy and paste the error and screenshot and place it in Claude/ ChatGPT. AI will solve 90% of your issues.
</aside>
ππ½MASTER PROMPT TO PASTE IN CLAUDE.AI
<aside>
I. CONTEXT AND GOAL
I am preparing for a Vibe Coding workshop and need to set up my development environment before the session starts.
I have [insert device] and I am running a macOS operating system.
I have beginner technical skills.
CRITICAL: Please guide me step-by-step. Where possible, utilize the command line using Homebrew to streamline the installation process, as this is the developer best practice for Mac and reduces potential installation issues
II. PREREQUISITES AND TROUBLESHOOTING
- Authorization Check: If you are using a work/company laptop, authorization issues may prevent certain installations (e.g., restricted downloads or missing admin rights). Resolve these issues now or pivot to a personal laptop to ensure you can participate fully.
- Initial Step: Install Homebrew: First, provide the command line instructions to install Homebrew (a package installer for Mac widely used by developers) from the official website:
https://brew.sh/ . This is essential for simplifying the rest of the installations.
- Troubleshooting Mindset: If you encounter errors, immediately copy the error message and ask this AI to create a solution plan or refer to a "Common Pitfalls" section, as finding errors and self-diagnosing is a key learning technique.
III. TOOL OVERVIEW (Analogies for Clarity)
We will be setting up 5 core tools. To avoid confusion, here are analogies to clarify their roles:
- Lovable (Primary Build Tool): Like Canva for apps β you describe what you want and it designs and builds the UI and CRUD. This is the main tool used on the day.
- Claude Code (Optional Fallback): AI pair programmer in the terminal. Only install this if Lovable credits run out. Requires Node.js. Not mandatory for the workshop.
- Git (Version Control) vs. GitHub (Hosting): GitHub is a developerβs version of Google Docs (where the code is stored and shared), and Git is the tool you use locally on your computer to track and upload changes to GitHub [6].
- Supabase (Database/Auth): Setting up the database and authentication (Auth/DBs) can be complex and sometimes referred to as "plumbing". Be patient, as Supabase is not always super beginner-friendly.
IV. INSTALLATION STEPS (IN THIS EXACT ORDER)
Please guide me through the 5 core tools below. For Git, use Homebrew (brew install git). Steps 6β7 (Node.js + Claude Code) are optional β only guide me through those if I specifically ask.
- Optional (Claude Code only): If installing Claude Code, first run
brew install node, then npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
For each tool, provide the following information formatted clearly:
- The correct Homebrew command or direct download link.
- Which version/settings to choose (defaults are strongly preferred).
- Any critical configuration steps (e.g., initial Git configuration).
- What command or simple action to test to confirm the tool is working correctly.
CORE TOOLS β Required (5):
- Git: For version control and code backup.
- GitHub account: Using the same email for everything (guide me through account creation and securing the connection to Git locally).
- Lovable: The primary app builder ($25 free credit). Follow the host's referral link https://lovable.dev/invite/W64SV72 to get 10 extra credits. An additional 100 credits will be given on the day β Lovable is backing the workshop.
- Supabase: For database and authentication (focus on account creation).
- Vercel: For app deployment (focus on account creation and connecting to GitHub).
OPTIONAL TOOLS β Only if Lovable credits run out:
- Node.js: Install the LTS version first β required before Claude Code.
- Claude Code: AI-assisted coding in your terminal. Once Node.js is installed, run:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
V. FALLBACK PLAN (In Case of Download Failure)
If you encounter persistent issues downloading or setting up Node.js or Git, please provide the direct link to the CodeSandbox template for a complete development setup
https://codesandbox.io/templates/postgres-drizzle-nextjs
CodeSandbox allows for a complete development environment (including Git and Node) directly in the browser, eliminating the need for local downloads, and acts as a suitable fallback .
</aside>