# Project Setup

Follow these steps every time you start a new mini project or the final project. What goes inside the repository, from `PROPOSAL.md` to the README, is set by that project's spec on Canvas.

## 1. Create the Repo on GitHub

1. Go to [github.com](https://github.com) and click **New Repository** (the green button or the **+** in the top right)
2. Name it something descriptive (e.g., `recipe-site`, `budget-tracker`)
3. Set it to **Public**
4. Check **Add a README file**
5. Click **Create repository**

## 2. Clone to Your Computer

**In VS Code:** `Ctrl+Shift+P` (Windows) or `Cmd+Shift+P` (macOS) > type "Git: Clone" > paste your repo URL > choose a folder.

**Or in GitHub Desktop:** File > Clone Repository > select the repo you just created.

## 3. Add What the Project Spec Asks For

Open the project's spec on Canvas and create the files it lists, with the names it gives. Commit and push as you add them.

## 4. Activate GitHub Pages

Follow step 1 of the [GitHub Pages guide](/guides/github-pages/) to turn on Pages for this repo. This is the same process you used for your personal site.

## 5. Link from Your oim3690 Repo

Open the `README.md` in your main `oim3690` repo and update the Projects table with your new repo and live URL. If you have not set up the table yet, download the <a href="https://oim3690.github.io/downloads/oim3690-readme.md" download>README template</a> from the course website.