Prerequisites and environment setup
Let's set up your computer step by step
Level: from scratch — you don't need any previous experience. If you've never opened a terminal or installed Python, relax: we go slowly and explain every word. Follow this guide at your own pace and, by the end, your machine will be ready for the whole course.
In the previous lesson you understood what MCP exists for. Now we set up the workshop where we'll build: installing the tools, understanding the terminal, and leaving everything verified. There's nothing to memorize; it's enough to follow the steps and confirm that each thing responds correctly.
What you'll learn
- What the terminal is and how to open it on your system (macOS, Windows, or Linux).
- A few basic commands to move around your folders (
cd,ls/dir,mkdir). - Install Python 3.11+ (with
pip) and verify it. - Install Node.js LTS (with
npx) and verify it. - Install the VS Code editor and why we use it.
- Create and activate a Python virtual environment (
venv) and why it matters. - A final checklist to confirm everything works.
1. The terminal: your control panel
The terminal (or "command line") is a window where you type instructions in text and the computer runs them. It's a bit intimidating at first, but it's just another way to tell the computer what to do — more direct than clicking.
How to open it:
- macOS: open Spotlight (
Cmd + Space), typeTerminaland press Enter. - Windows: Start menu, search for
PowerShellorTerminaland open it. - Linux:
Ctrl + Alt + T, or search for "Terminal" in your applications.
Three commands you'll use all the time:
cd Documents # "change directory": enter a folder
ls # list what's in the folder (on Windows: dir)
mkdir mcp-course # create a new folder called mcp-course
On Windows with PowerShell, ls also works; in the classic CMD you use dir.
To go back to the previous folder: cd ..
2. Install Python 3.11 or higher
Python is the course's main language. Download it only from the official site: python.org (Downloads section).
- Windows: download the installer and, very important, check the "Add Python to PATH" box before clicking Install. That avoids the most common error (the terminal "not finding" Python).
- macOS: download the
.pkginstaller from python.org and follow the steps. (Alternative: if you use Homebrew,brew install python.) - Linux: it usually comes preinstalled; if not,
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip(Debian/Ubuntu).
Verify it turned out fine:
python --version # should say 3.11 or higher
pip --version # pip is Python's package installer
If python doesn't respond, try python3 and pip3. On Windows, if it says
"not recognized", close and reopen the terminal; if it continues, reinstall
checking Add Python to PATH.
3. Install Node.js LTS
Some MCP tools run on Node.js. Download the LTS version (the stable, recommended one) from the official site: nodejs.org.
- Windows / macOS: download the LTS installer and follow the steps (it
includes
npx). - Linux:
sudo apt install nodejs npm, or better use nvm to manage versions.
Verify:
node --version # e.g.: v20.x (LTS)
npx --version # npx runs packages without installing them globally
4. Install VS Code (your editor)
A code editor is like a word processor, but designed for programming: it colors the code, warns you about errors, and has an integrated terminal. We use VS Code because it's free, lightweight, and works the same on all three systems. Download it from the official site: code.visualstudio.com.
After installing it, open your course folder from File → Open Folder. Tip: install Microsoft's Python extension (from the extensions panel).
5. Create and activate a virtual environment (venv)
A virtual environment is an isolated "little box" where you install this project's packages without cluttering the rest of your computer. That way, each course or project has its own versions and nothing gets overwritten. It's one of the best habits you can adopt from day one.
From your course folder:
python -m venv .venv # creates the environment in the .venv folder
Activate it:
# macOS / Linux
source .venv/bin/activate
# Windows (PowerShell)
.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
When it's active, you'll see (.venv) at the start of the line. To exit,
type deactivate.
Windows — permissions: if PowerShell blocks the activation script, run
once: Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser RemoteSigned and confirm.
6. Final checklist
Confirm that everything responds before moving on:
python --version # 3.11+
pip --version
node --version # LTS
npx --version
If all four answer with a version number and you were able to see (.venv) when
activating the environment, your workshop is ready. 🎉
Quick glossary
- Terminal: the window where you type text commands and the computer runs them (the "command line").
- Virtual environment (venv): an isolated "little box" with this project's packages, so you don't overwrite the rest of your computer's.
- pip: Python's package installer (
pip install <package>). - npx: a Node.js command that downloads and runs a tool on the fly, without installing it permanently.
- PATH: the list of folders where your system looks for programs; if something "isn't found", it's usually missing from the PATH.
Downloads
- 📄 Setup guide (printable PDF) — all the steps, with a command table by operating system.
- ✅ Environment checklist (PDF) — to tick off each check and keep it handy.
Before moving on
It doesn't matter if something took a while or you had to reinstall: almost everyone goes through a PATH or permissions error the first time. If a command doesn't respond, close and reopen the terminal, and check that you installed from the official sites. With the environment ready, in the next lesson we build the mental model of MCP — how host, client, and server relate — before touching code. The first time we build a real server is in Module 2; the workshop is already ready for that moment.