Getting Started with StartupBolt

Overview

Welcome to StartupBolt! This guide will take you through the process of setting up and customizing your StartupBolt website so you can launch quickly and efficiently.

Getting the Most Out of StartupBolt

We've included detailed comments within the StartupBolt project files to help you navigate the codebase effectively. To make the most of these instructions, keep the following tips in mind:

Follow the Comments: Look for comments in the code for explanations, tips, and guidance.
Use Documentation: If you're unsure about a specific file or feature, refer to this documentation for additional information.
Reach Out for Help: If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

Quickstart Guide

To quickly get your StartupBolt website up and running, follow these steps:

1. Download and Install

Download the StartupBolt Zip File
- Log into StartupBolt (opens in a new tab) after making a payment to gain access to the download.
Ensure Node.js is Installed
- Make sure Node.js is installed on your computer by visiting nodejs.org (opens in a new tab).
- Note: StartupBolt requires Node.js version 18.20.4 or above. Check your Node.js version by running node -v in your terminal.
Unzip and Install
- Unzip the StartupBolt file.
- Open your terminal (macOS) or PowerShell (Windows), navigate to the startupbolt folder, and run the following command:
```
npm install
```

2. Git Repository

StartupBolt comes with Git version control pre-configured:

Each StartupBolt download includes an initialized .git directory, making it a complete Git repository from the start (since December 17, 2024).
While using Git is optional, we highly recommend it as it simplifies the process of updating your project to new versions of StartupBolt.
For detailed instructions on managing updates using Git, please refer to our Update Documentation.
New to Git? Check out the Git documentation (opens in a new tab) for installation guides and basic tutorials.

3. Environment Setup

Rename the file .env.example to .env.local to setup your environment variables.

4. Launch Your Website

Run the following command in your terminal (macOS) or PowerShell (Windows):
```
npm run dev
```
Your website is now ready to be viewed locally. Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000 (or the port your website is running on if it's different).
Explore the rest of this documentation to customize and fully configure your site.

By following these steps, you'll have a polished StartupBolt website ready to go!

Next Steps: Essential Configuration

To ensure your website is fully functional, proceed to the Essential Configuration page where you'll find step-by-step instructions for setting up key features.

Conclusion

Thank you for choosing StartupBolt! We're excited to see what you'll create.

Introduction Essential Configuration