> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs-example.gitbook.io/forge-website/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs-example.gitbook.io/forge-website/set-up-the-website/chabot-forge-project-setup.md).

# Chabot Forge: Project Setup

#### Section 1: Initial Setup (Do These First)

1. Create a GitHub Account:
   * Go to [github.com](https://github.com) and create a free account.
2. Install Visual Studio Code (VS Code):
   * Download and install the free editor from <https://code.visualstudio.com/>.
   * During installation, make sure to check the box that says "Add to PATH" (this is often the default).

#### Section 2: Getting Project Access

3. Request Access:
   * Once your GitHub account is created, send an email to <diepngo0531@gmail.com> with your new GitHub username.
4. Accept the Invitation:
   * You will receive an email from GitHub with an invitation to the "Chabot Forge" repository.
   * Open the email and click the "View Invitation" button. You must accept the invitation to gain access.

#### Section 3: Cloning the Project (Getting the Code)

5. Copy the Repository Link:

   * After accepting the invite, you will be taken to the repository page (it will be named `Forge_Website` or similar).
   * Click the  `< > Code` button.
   * In the "Clone" tab, make sure "HTTPS" is selected and copy the URL.&#x20;

   <figure><img src="https://1077808367-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHy2Z883f5hDk189oPzpu%2Fuploads%2FMzgr9bbpGMW9nu5r53V4%2FScreenshot%202025-11-13%20at%204.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=4d1194d8-b419-458b-98fd-4c4fb664ebba" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
6. Clone in VS Code:

   * Open the VS Code application.
   * Go to the "Source Control" tab on the left-side panel (it looks like three dots with lines).
   * Click the "Clone Repository" button.
   * Paste the URL you copied from GitHub and press Enter.
   * VS Code will ask you to select a folder on your computer to save the project. Create a new folder or choose an existing one.

   <figure><img src="https://1077808367-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHy2Z883f5hDk189oPzpu%2Fuploads%2FQerHwePXW2U0gNp0XJoS%2FScreenshot%202025-11-13%20at%204.48.13%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=693dfd8a-b861-42ab-bace-3eedf1a7fd1d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
7. Open the Project & Authenticate:
   * After it finishes downloading, a notification will appear. Click "Open" to open the new project.
   * VS Code will likely ask you to sign in to GitHub to "authenticate." Follow the on-screen prompts to log in and connect your account. This is a one-time step.