# Prerequisites

To get started with Change Maker, ensure you have the following prerequisites:

## General Requirements

- **Internet Connection**: Required for initial setup to download the latest versions of the software.
- **Memory**: Minimum 2GB RAM. 4GB RAM is recommended.
- **Disk Space**: Around 10GB of free disk space; more or less depending on size of website build. (instalation size is ~1GB).

## Necessary: Docker and Docker Compose

Change Maker uses Docker and Docker Compose for containerization. Follow the instructions below to install Docker and Docker Compose on your platform.

[Docker](https://www.docker.com/){ .md-button }

### Windows

1. **Install Docker Desktop for Windows**:
    - Download and install Docker Desktop from [Docker's official site](https://docs.docker.com/docker-for-windows/install/).
    - Ensure WSL 2 is enabled (Docker Desktop will guide you through this process).


### Mac

1. **Install Docker Desktop for Mac**:
    - Download and install Docker Desktop from [Docker's official site](https://docs.docker.com/docker-for-mac/install/).
    - Docker Desktop supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

### Linux

1. **Install Docker**:
    - Follow the instructions on [Docker's official site](https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/) to install Docker using your package manager.

2. **Install Docker Compose**:
    - If Docker Compose is not included with your Docker installation, follow the instructions on [Docker Compose's official site](https://docs.docker.com/compose/install/) to install it.

## Recommended: Obsidian 

Obsidian is a powerful markdown editor that can be used to edit the documentation files. It is not required, but it is recommended for a better editing experience.

[Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/){ .md-button }

More info on configurint Obsidian can be found [here](obsidian.md).

## Power User: Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a powerful code editor that can be used to edit the source code. Visual Code Studio, if properly configured, is the fastest method to generate a site. Built in AI allows your to edit your entire codebase using plain language prompts. It is not required, but it is recommended for a better coding experience.

[Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/){ .md-button }