===== Laravel: Step 1 =====
First, let's make sure we have a code editor installed, also known as an IDE.

You can get started with any editor.  Popular choices are [[https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/vscode-web|Visual Studio Code]] or [[https://www.jetbrains.com/phpstorm/|PHPStorm]].

The installation section of Laravel's documentation gives you some instructions on how to get started: https://laravel.com/docs/9.x/installation

Once we have the prerequisites installed, you can create a new Laravel install in an empty directory:

<code>
mkdir ~/dev/; cd ~/dev/
composer create-project laravel/laravel example-app
</code>

That will create a new directory called 'example-app' and install the basic Laravel framework.  You can test things are working with:
<code>
cd example-app
php artisan
</code>

That should give you a list of available commands.  If you spot any errors - make sure you have PHP installed properly and your version is correct.

Now we can launch the test webserver and see the Laravel welcome page.

<code>
php artisan serve
</code>

You should be able to visit http://127.0.0.1:8000 and be presented with the Laravel logo and welcome screen.