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Training Module: Command Station Setup

Introduction

Prerequisites

None - this is foundational training for all cadets.

Welcome to Starfleet Academy, cadet! This is your first essential training module. You'll learn to set up your personal command station (development environment) and successfully activate your first LCARS interface.

Academy Mission Briefing: Objective

Configure your officer workstation and bring a LCARS (Library Computer Access/Retrieval System) interface online.

By completing this module, you'll have a working Starfleet LCARS interface running in your web browser - the same computer system used aboard Federation starships throughout the galaxy!

Ready to begin your Academy training, cadet?

Training Protocol

Estimated completion time: 45-60 minutes

Set up Your Officer Workstation

Install Your Main Computer Core (NodeJS)

Every Starfleet vessel requires a main computer core to process operations and run ship systems. NodeJS serves as your workstation's computer core, capable of running the programs that power LCARS interfaces and other Starfleet applications.

Academy Note: What is NodeJS?

NodeJS is your workstation's main computer core. It processes JavaScript programs that create the interfaces and applications you'll use throughout your Starfleet career. Think of it as the central processing unit that makes everything work together.

Download and install the latest LTS version from the official NodeJS website.

NodeJS LTS Download

Recommendation

We recommend you use the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version of NodeJS for optimal stability with Starfleet applications. At the time of this training module, the latest LTS version is 24.x.x.

Verify Computer Core Installation

Now let's confirm your computer core is operational. Open your command interface:

Press Ctrl + Alt + T

Press Cmd + Space, type "Terminal", and press Enter

Search for "Command Prompt" or "PowerShell" and open it.
Or press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter

Enter the first command to check NodeJS version:

node -v

You should see output like: v24.5.0

After that, check the npm package manager version:

npm -v

You should see output like: 10.9.3

Computer core online, cadet!

Configure Your Replicator (pnpm)

Starfleet workstations use replicators to efficiently materialize software components when needed. The pnpm replicator system is optimized for speed and storage efficiency - essential for Academy operations.

Follow the pnpm installation guide to configure your replicator system.

pnpm Installation Guide

Academy Note: What is pnpm?

The pnpm replicator downloads and organizes software components for your applications. When you need specific program modules, it materializes them instantly from Starfleet's software archives.

Test Replicator Systems

Verify your replicator is functioning:

pnpm -v

You should see a version number like: 10.26.2

Replicator systems operational, cadet!

Connect to Starfleet Database Network (git)

All Academy workstations must connect to the Starfleet Database Network to access training materials, ship schematics, and collaborative projects. Git provides this secure connection to Federation repositories.

Install git from the official git website.

Academy Note: What is git?

Git is your secure connection to Starfleet's vast database network. It allows you to download training projects, contribute to Federation missions, and access the collective knowledge of Starfleet officers across the galaxy.

Test Database Network Connection

git --version

You should see output similar to: git version 2.43.0

Database connection established, cadet!

Configure Your Officer Workstation Interface (VSCodium)

Every Starfleet officer needs a dedicated workstation interface to view ship systems, edit configurations, and manage projects. VSCodium provides this essential interface for your Academy training and future missions.

Download VSCodium from the official VSCodium website.

Academy Note: What is VSCodium?

VSCodium is your personal officer workstation interface - similar to the PADD devices used throughout Starfleet, but designed for technical operations. It provides a clear, organized view of your projects and systems.

Why VSCodium for Academy Training?

VSCodium maintains strict security protocols without external monitoring - perfect for Academy training environments and sensitive Starfleet operations.

Systems Diagnostic

Now let's run an Academy-standard diagnostic to verify all your workstation systems are properly configured. Open VSCodium and access the command interface (View → Terminal).

Run this complete diagnostic sequence:

node -v
pnpm -v
git --version

All systems showing operational status? Outstanding work, cadet! Your Academy workstation is properly configured.

Set up LCARS Interface

Download Academy Training Interface (git clone)

Now for the practical application of your training! You'll download and activate an actual LCARS interface - the same computer system used aboard Federation starships. This demonstrates how all your workstation components work together.

In your command interface, execute these Academy protocols:

git clone https://github.com/starfleet-technology/lcars-app.git
cd lcars-app

Academy Explanation: What Just Happened?

Your database connection (git) accessed Starfleet archives and downloaded complete LCARS interface files to your workstation. The cd command changes your current location to work with these files.

Materialize Interface Components (pnpm install)

Your LCARS interface requires various software components to function properly. Your replicator will now materialize these from Starfleet's component archives:

pnpm install

You'll see your replicator downloading and configuring components. This process typically takes 2-5 minutes for complex systems like LCARS - this is completely normal for Academy training modules.

Academy Note

Watch the progress indicators to see your replicator materializing each required component. This is standard Starfleet procedure for deploying new systems.

Activate LCARS Interface (pnpm dev)

This is the culmination of your Academy training module! You'll now bring your LCARS interface online using standard Starfleet activation procedures:

pnpm dev

Your computer core will process the startup sequence. After approximately 30 seconds, you should see: 

Local: http://localhost:3000

Academy Protocol

Keep this command interface open while using LCARS. Closing it will deactivate your interface, requiring reactivation procedures.

Access Your LCARS Interface

Open your web browser and navigate to: http://localhost:3000

Excellent work, cadet! Your LCARS interface is now fully operational and displayed on your main viewer. You have successfully completed Academy Training Module 1!

Academy Training Module 1: Complete!

Exceptional performance, cadet! You have successfully configured your Academy workstation and activated your first LCARS interface. You're now prepared for advanced Starfleet training modules.

Training Objectives Completed:

Configured workstation core systems (NodeJS, pnpm, git, VSCodium)
Connected to Starfleet Database Network
Downloaded and activated functional LCARS interface
Verified all systems operational per Academy standards

Next Steps

Our recommendation for your continued training: Explore the different apps before diving deeper into Starfleet projects.

Create Your First Frontend Application