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Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Development Environment

TL;DR​

  1. Install Worka: Download the latest version and install it.
  2. Install Tools (macOS with Homebrew): 
    brew install rustup-init node podman
  3. Configure Rust: 
    rustup-init
    (Follow the on-screen instructions, the default option is fine.)
  4. Install pnpm: 
    npm install -g pnpm
  5. Verify Installations: 
    cargo --version
    node --version
    pnpm --version
    podman --version

Before you can build a pack, you need to set up your machine with the necessary tools. This chapter will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Install the Worka Application​

First, you need the Worka Host Application itself. The worka dev command (which we will use later) communicates with the host to load your pack for live development.

Step 2: Install Core Dependencies​

Pack development relies on a few key technologies from the wider software ecosystem.

Rust​

Rust is a high-performance programming language used for Worka's core and for building powerful, efficient backend MCP servers. We use rustup to install and manage Rust versions.

  • On macOS or Linux: Open your terminal and run brew install rustup-init followed by rustup-init. The script will guide you through the installation. The default options are recommended.
  • On Windows: Follow the instructions on the official Rust website.

Node.js and pnpm​

Node.js is required to build your pack's user interface and run some of the CLI's internal tooling. We use pnpm as our preferred package manager for its speed and efficiency.

  • Install Node.js: We recommend using a version manager like nvm or installing it directly from the official Node.js website.
  • Install pnpm: Once Node.js is installed, run the following command in your terminal: 
    npm install -g pnpm

Podman (or Docker)​

Worka runs backend MCP servers in secure, isolated containers. Podman is the recommended container engine for its daemonless architecture, but Docker is also fully supported.

  • On macOS: The easiest way is with Homebrew: brew install podman.
  • On other systems: Follow the official installation guide for Podman or Docker.

Step 3: Verify Your Installation​

To ensure everything is set up correctly, open a new terminal and run the following commands. Each should print a version number.

# Verify Rust
> cargo --version
cargo 1.xx.x ...

# Verify Node.js
> node --version
v20.x.x

# Verify pnpm
> pnpm --version
9.x.x

# Verify Podman
> podman --version
podman version 5.x.x

With these tools installed, your environment is now ready for pack development. In the next chapter, we will create your first pack.