# Tutorial: Getting Started Step by Step {#tutorial-getting-started-step-by-step}


A comprehensive walkthrough to set up Ever Gauzy from scratch.


## Prerequisites {#prerequisites}


- Node.js 20+
- Yarn 1.x (Classic)
- PostgreSQL 14+ (or SQLite for quick start)
- Git


## Step 1: Clone the Repository {#step-1-clone-the-repository}


```bash
git clone https://github.com/ever-co/ever-gauzy.git
cd ever-gauzy
```


## Step 2: Install Dependencies {#step-2-install-dependencies}


```bash
yarn install
```

This installs all dependencies for the entire monorepo (API, webapp, desktop apps, and all packages).


## Step 3: Configure Environment {#step-3-configure-environment}


Copy the sample environment file:

```bash
cp .env.sample .env
```

Edit `.env` with your settings:

```env
# Database (SQLite for quick start)
DB_TYPE=sqlite
DB_NAME=gauzy.sqlite3

# JWT Secrets (generate unique values)
JWT_SECRET=change-this-to-a-random-string
JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=change-this-too

# Server URLs
API_BASE_URL=http://localhost:3000
CLIENT_BASE_URL=http://localhost:4200
```


## Step 4: Start the API Server {#step-4-start-the-api-server}


```bash
yarn start:api
```

Wait for the message: `Listening at http://localhost:3000`

The first startup will:

- Create the database schema
- Run seed data (demo organization, admin user)
- Start the REST and GraphQL APIs


## Step 5: Start the Web App {#step-5-start-the-web-app}


In a new terminal:

```bash
yarn start
```

Open [http://localhost:4200](http://localhost:4200) in your browser.


## Step 6: Log In {#step-6-log-in}


Use the default admin credentials:

| Field    | Value           |
| -------- | --------------- |
| Email    | `admin@ever.co` |
| Password | `admin`         |


## Step 7: Explore {#step-7-explore}


After login, you'll see the dashboard. Explore:

1. **Dashboard** — overview widgets
2. **Tasks** — task management
3. **Time Tracking** — start tracking time
4. **Employees** — manage team members
5. **Projects** — create projects
6. **Settings** — configure your organization


## Next Steps {#next-steps}


- [Setting Up Your First Organization](https://sourcey-gauzy.pages.dev/tutorials/first-organization-tutorial/index.md)
- [Creating Your First Project](https://sourcey-gauzy.pages.dev/tutorials/first-project-tutorial/index.md)
- [Time Tracking Quickstart](https://sourcey-gauzy.pages.dev/tutorials/time-tracking-quickstart/index.md)


## Related Pages {#related-pages}


- [Development Guide](https://sourcey-gauzy.pages.dev/development/development-guide/index.md) — advanced setup
- [Environment Variables](https://sourcey-gauzy.pages.dev/devops/environment-variables/index.md) — all config options
- [Production Deployment](https://sourcey-gauzy.pages.dev/devops/production-deployment/index.md) — production setup