> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vexanium.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vexanium.com/getting-started/development-environment/before-you-begin.md).

# Before You Begin

### Step 1: Install binaries

To get started as quickly as possible we recommend using pre-built binaries. 

{% hint style="info" %}
**INFO**

You can find how to install VEXANIUM from source [here](https://github.com/vexanium/VexChain).
{% endhint %}

### Step 2: Setup a development directory, stick to it.

You're going to need to pick a directory to work from, it's suggested to create a `contracts` directory somewhere on your local drive.

```bash
mkdir contracts
cd contracts
```

### Step 3: Enter your local directory below.

Get the path of that directory and save it for later, as you're going to need it, you can use the following command to get your absolute path.

```bash
pwd
```

#### What's Next?

* Install the CDT: Steps to install the VEXANIUM Contract Development Toolkit (CDT) on your system.