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Getting Started with ValorIDE | New Coders

Welcome to ValorIDE! This guide will help you get set up and start using ValorIDE to build your first project.

What You'll Need​

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

  • VS Code: A free, powerful code editor.

  • Development Tools: Essential software for coding (Homebrew, Node.js, Git, etc.).

  • ValorIDE Projects Folder: A dedicated folder for all your ValorIDE projects.

    • On macOS: Create a folder named "ValorIDE" in your Documents folder
      • Path: /Users/[your-username]/Documents/ValorIDE
    • On Windows: Create a folder named "ValorIDE" in your Documents folder
      • Path: C:\Users\[your-username]\Documents\ValorIDE
    • Inside this ValorIDE folder, create separate folders for each project
      • Example: Documents/ValorIDE/workout-app for a workout tracking app
      • Example: Documents/ValorIDE/portfolio-website for your portfolio

  • ValorIDE Extension in VS Code: The ValorIDE extension installed in VS Code.

  • Here's a tutorial on everything you need to get started.

Step-by-Step Setup​

Follow these steps to get ValorIDE up and running smoothly:

  1. Open VS Code: Launch the VS Code application. If VS Code shows "Running extensions might...", click "Allow".

  2. Open Your ValorIDE Folder: In VS Code, open the ValorIDE folder you created in Documents.

  3. Navigate to Extensions: Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of VS Code.

  4. Search for 'ValorIDE': In the Extensions search bar, type "ValorIDE".

  5. Install the Extension: Click the "Install" button next to the ValorIDE extension.

  6. Open ValorIDE: Once installed, you can open ValorIDE in a few ways:

    • Click the ValorIDE icon in the Activity Bar.
    • Use the command palette (CMD/CTRL + Shift + P) and type "ValorIDE: Open In New Tab" to open ValorIDE as a tab in your editor. This is recommended for a better view.
    • Troubleshooting: If you don't see the ValorIDE icon, try restarting VS Code.
    • What You'll See: You should see the ValorIDE chat window appear in your VS Code editor.

gettingStartedVsCodevaloride

Setting up OpenRouter API Key​

Now that you have ValorIDE installed, you'll need to set up your OpenRouter API key to use ValorIDE's full capabilities.

  1. Get your OpenRouter API Key:
  2. Input Your OpenRouter API Key:
    • Navigate to the settings button in the ValorIDE extension.
    • Input your OpenRouter API key.
    • Select your preferred API model.
      • Recommended Models for Coding:
        • anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet: Most used for coding tasks.
        • google/gemini-2.0-flash-exp:free: A free option for coding.
        • deepseek/deepseek-chat: SUPER CHEAP, almost as good as 3.5 sonnet
      • OpenRouter Model Rankings

Your First Interaction with ValorIDE​

Now you're ready to start building with ValorIDE. Let's create your first project folder and build something! Copy and paste the following prompt into the ValorIDE chat window:

Hey ValorIDE! Could you help me create a new project folder called "hello-world" in my ValorIDE directory and make a simple webpage that says "Hello World" in big blue text?

What You'll See: ValorIDE will help you create the project folder and set up your first webpage.

Tips for Working with ValorIDE​

  • Ask Questions: If you're unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask ValorIDE!
  • Use Screenshots: ValorIDE can understand images, so feel free to use screenshots to show him what you're working on.
  • Copy and Paste Errors: If you encounter errors, copy and paste the error messages into ValorIDE's chat. This will help him understand the issue and provide a solution.
  • Speak Plainly: ValorIDE is designed to understand plain, non-technical language. Feel free to describe your ideas in your own words, and ValorIDE will translate them into code.

FAQs​

  • What is the Terminal? The terminal is a text-based interface for interacting with your computer. It allows you to run commands to perform various tasks, such as installing packages, running scripts, and managing files. ValorIDE uses the terminal to execute commands and interact with your development environment.
  • How Does the Codebase Work? (This section will be expanded based on common questions from new coders)

Still Struggling?​

Feel free to contact me, and I'll help you get started with ValorIDE.

Valkyr Labs | support@valkyrlabs.com