Setup from zero
Install the few computer tools the mobile project needs.
Skip this page if node --version, pnpm --version, and git --version already
work in your terminal.
What you are installing
| Tool | Why it exists |
|---|---|
| Git | Tracks your changes and backs them up to GitHub |
| Node.js 22 | Runs Expo and the project scripts |
| pnpm | Downloads dependencies and runs commands |
| An AI coding tool | Reads the project, edits files, and runs those commands for you |
The kit requires Node 22.13 or later in the Node 22 line.
The easy path
Open a coding agent with access to the kit folder and send:
I am not a developer. Help me install Git, Node 22.13 or later, and pnpm on
this computer. Go one step at a time and ask me to paste the result after each
command. Stop when git --version, node --version, and pnpm --version all work.
Do not install mobile providers or create paid accounts.Manual check
After installing Node from nodejs.org, enable pnpm:
corepack enableThen open a terminal in the kit folder:
pnpm install
pnpm run doctorpnpm install downloads the libraries listed in package.json.
pnpm run doctor checks that the Expo SDK and native package versions agree.
You do not need these yet
You do not need Xcode, Android Studio, Supabase, RevenueCat, an AI API key, or store accounts just to explore Vela. EAS can create a development build in the cloud. Install local native IDEs later only if your workflow actually needs them.