Getting started

New to coding

You do not need to understand every file on day one. Start by understanding what Virex gives you, install the minimum tools in the right order, run the project locally, and follow the generated README whenever the repo asks for project-specific setup.

Back to docs Read the VS Code guide

What Virex gives you

A Virex result is a real project repo. That means files, structure, configuration, and code you can open, run, keep, and continue. It does not mean you need to master everything immediately.

What to remember first

You are receiving a real codebase, not just a concept image.
You do not need to understand every file before you can run the project.
VS Code is the easiest default editor, but the repo is not locked to it.
Node.js must be installed before npm commands work.
The generated README should be followed when it gives project-specific setup notes.

The simplest mental model

Think of Virex as giving you the project folder and a serious starting point. Your first job is to open it, run it, and understand what is already there before you worry about deeper services or deployment.

Do these steps in this order

This is the cleanest beginner-first setup path for many Virex web repos.

1
Install Node.js first
Node.js needs to be installed before npm commands will work. npm comes with Node, so this is the first practical setup step for many web-based Virex repos.
2
Open the repo in VS Code or another editor
Download the generated repo, unzip it, then open the project folder in VS Code. VS Code is the recommended default because it keeps the editor and terminal in one place, but the repo is not locked to it.
3
Open the terminal inside the editor
Use the built-in terminal so you are running commands inside the actual repo folder. On Mac the shortcut is Command + backtick. On Windows it is Control + backtick.
4
Run the install step
Use npm install to bring in the packages the project expects. This only works after Node.js is installed.
5
Run the local dev server
Use npm run dev and then open the localhost URL shown in the terminal, such as localhost:3000. That URL means the app is running on your own machine so you can inspect the baseline locally.
6
Read the generated README
Many Virex repos include a README with project-specific setup notes. Follow that README whenever it gives instructions about environment variables, services, or special project steps.
7
Only add hosting and backend tools when needed
GitHub, Vercel, Supabase, and Expo matter at different stages. Add them when the repo actually needs remote storage, deployment, backend services, or mobile continuation.

Typical beginner commands

npm install
npm run dev

What localhost means

When the terminal shows a local URL such as http://localhost:3000, it means the project is running on your own machine so you can inspect the baseline privately before you deploy anything live.

Node.js installed firstOpen terminal in editor

Which tools matter, and when

You do not need everything at once. The tools make more sense when you know the order.

Node.js comes first because npm commands depend on it.
VS Code comes next because it gives you one place to open files and run commands.
GitHub matters when you want remote storage, history, and a safer place for the repo to live.
Vercel matters when you want a web project online quickly.
Supabase matters when the project needs auth, database, storage, or saved app state.
Expo matters when the generated project is a mobile app.
Apple and Google developer accounts only matter later when a mobile app is moving toward release and store work.

How GitHub, Vercel, and Supabase fit together

These tools are not random extras. They connect in a practical order once the local baseline makes sense.

Typical flow after the local run

Generate and download the repo from Virex.
Run it locally first so you understand what the baseline already includes.
Push it to GitHub when you want remote backup, version history, or collaboration.
Connect the GitHub repo to Vercel when you want a web project live quickly.
Add environment variables in Vercel when the project needs real keys or service URLs.
Use Supabase when the app needs auth, database, storage, or saved user state.
Use Expo when the project is mobile and you need the native continuation path.

VS Code

Open the repo and use the built-in terminal.

Node.js

Install Node before you try npm commands.

Deploy

See the simple path from local repo to live project.

What to do when the repo has extra setup steps

Follow the generated README. Real projects often need environment variables, service keys, or setup details that are specific to that build. That is normal, and it does not mean the repo is fake or broken.