# Install and configure start-kit

Follow the source instructions for **start-kit**. Read the prerequisites and configuration steps before running an example.

## Prerequisites

- Node.js 18+ or Bun
- MongoDB database (local or cloud)
- npm, yarn, pnpm, or bun

## Installation

1. **Clone the repository**
   ```bash
   git clone https://github.com/qentrah/start-kit.git
   cd start-kit
   ```

2. **Install dependencies**
   ```bash
   npm install
   # or
   bun install
   ```

3. **Set up environment variables**

   Create a `.env.local` file in the root directory:
   ```env
   # MongoDB Connection
   MONGODB_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017
   # or for MongoDB Atlas:
   # MONGODB_URI=mongodb+srv://username:password@cluster.mongodb.net

   # MongoDB Database Name (optional, defaults to "Cluster0")
   MONGODB_DB_NAME=Cluster0

   # Better Auth Configuration
   BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=your-secret-key-here-min-32-characters
   BETTER_AUTH_URL=http://localhost:3000
   NEXT_PUBLIC_BETTER_AUTH_URL=http://localhost:3000
   ```

4. **Run the development server**
   ```bash
   npm run dev
   # or
   bun dev
   ```

5. **Open your browser**

   Navigate to [http://localhost:3000](http://localhost:3000)

## Check the installation

After setup, continue with the [first example](/docs/up-to-code-start-kit/quick-start-guide). If a command fails, compare the runtime version, working directory, and required configuration with the original README before changing dependencies.

## Source and help

- [GitHub repository](https://github.com/qentrah/start-kit)
- [Original README](https://github.com/qentrah/start-kit/blob/master/README.md)
- [Issues and existing reports](https://github.com/qentrah/start-kit/issues)

The catalog identifies the license as **MIT**. Read the repository license before redistributing source or assets.