Before you start
Correct setup is the difference between a smooth first hour and a frustrating one. This is everything to install, with what each thing is and why. Free unless marked otherwise. The Guide also walks you through it step by step and checks each piece is working.
The free tools you set up once, then you are building.
The AI that builds with you, from your terminal.
It reads the bundle, writes the code, and runs the commands. Everything starts here.
InstallFollow the installer for your system, then run claude in the bundle folder.
claude.com/claude-codeVersion control: it saves every change and lets you step back.
You commit as you build, and Claude uses it too. See the glossary if the word is new.
InstallmacOS: run xcode-select --install, or brew install git. Windows: the installer at git-scm.com. Linux: your package manager.
git-scm.comWhere you read and edit the code.
VS Code is free and sits well next to Claude Code. Any editor works.
InstallDownload VS Code, or use the editor you already like.
code.visualstudio.comThe framework you build the app in. Dart is its language and ships with it.
One codebase runs on both iPhone and Android, which halves the work.
InstallFollow the install guide for your OS, then run flutter doctor and read it together with Claude. On macOS, Homebrew makes the toolchain easier.
docs.flutter.devHow Zovia itself builds. On Windows or Linux, use the installers above or your package manager instead.
The macOS package manager.
The easiest way to install git, the Flutter toolchain, and more, each with one command.
InstallPaste the one-line install command from brew.sh into your terminal. Windows equivalent: winget. Linux: apt, dnf, or your distro's manager.
brew.shWhere your app's data and cloud functions live. You never run a server yourself.
A hosted Parse backend. Zovia Core talks to it.
Your app needs somewhere to store data and run logic. Back4App provides it, free to start.
InstallCreate a free account and a new app, then copy its Application ID, Client Key, and server URL into your Zovia Keys file (starter/lib/config/backend_keys.dart). Never commit those keys.
back4app.comOnly if a specific path calls for it.
A JavaScript runtime.
Only needed if you deploy cloud functions with the Back4App command line tool instead of pasting them in the dashboard.
InstallInstall the LTS build if and when you reach for the CLI.
nodejs.orgYou do not need any of these to build, and you should not pay for them yet. Set them up only when you are ready to submit an app to a store.
An Apple account for publishing on the App Store.
Only needed to ship to iPhone. Enroll when you are ready to submit, not before.
InstallSign up when the ship step arrives.
developer.apple.comA Google account for publishing on Google Play.
Only needed to ship to Android. A one-time registration fee.
InstallRegister when the ship step arrives.
play.google.com/consoleApple's and Google's build tools and device simulators.
Needed to build and test on iOS and Android near ship time. flutter doctor tells you when.
InstallmacOS: install Xcode from the App Store. Android Studio from its site, on either OS. Defer both until doctor asks.
developer.android.com/studioThe Guide opens with a setup module: Claude walks you through each of these, one at a time, and confirms it is actually working before you build a thing. This page is the map. The Guide is the hand on your shoulder.