What you'll need · Code with Martin

Good news: almost nothing. A computer, a browser, and the urge to build something.

Three things you need

A computer – any old one will do. Windows or Mac, both are fine. It doesn’t need to be new or fast.
A browser – the program you use to look at the internet. Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge – they all work. You already have one, you’re reading this page in it right now!
An editor – a program for writing code. We’ll install one in the next chapter. It’s free.

💡

Sadly, a tablet or phone won’t cut it. Writing code needs a real keyboard and a proper screen.

Two ways to get started

Path A: Super-fast start (no install needed)

Just want to try programming and see a result in 5 minutes? Open codepen.io/pen – it’s a coding playground right in your browser, nothing to install.

In the left box labeled HTML, type:

<h1>Hello, world!</h1>
<p>This is my first page.</p>

Your first page will appear right below. Congratulations – you just programmed something! 🎉

Path B: A proper workshop (recommended)

CodePen is great for playing around, but you’ll build your real website on your own computer. For that you need an editor – and we’ll install one in the very next chapter. It takes about 10 minutes and you only do it once.

⚠️

Ask an adult for help with the install. Kids shouldn’t install programs on a computer alone – a parent should be there with you. Feel free to show them this page, everything is here step by step.

What to take away from this chapter

You just need an ordinary computer and a browser to build a website.
You can try web building with no install at all, at codepen.io.
For real work we’ll install an editor – right in the next chapter.