Getting your tools right is an important step in becoming a developer. This guide will walk you through every step you need to take to be ready to write code at Momentum.

There are multiple options that can be used when setting up your computer. This guide is opinionated about those options. Our guidelines are:

• When possible, use what you already have instead of installing something new.
• Use the most common development tool unless it is deficient.
• Less setup is better.

These instructions assume that you are setting up a computer running macOS 14+.

Please read these instructions carefully and do all the steps.

Update your system

Before anything else, update your operating system. You can do this by going to the Apple Menu > About This Mac > Software Update.

If you are unsure whether your computer can run the latest operating system (Monterey), check this list from Apple Support.

Security Settings

<aside> 🔒 If you are planning on using your computer in a public setting, we recommend following security measures to protect the data on your computer.

If you are using your computer exclusively in private settings, you may not need to take these steps. It's up to you!

These security settings have no impact on the coding you do on your computer**.**

</aside>

Open Apple Menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy and set the following:

• Under General, set require a password after sleep or screen saver begins to immediately.
• Under General, set disable automatic login.
• Click Advanced... and select Require an administrator password to access system-wide preferences.