A setup script should recreate tools and data shape while leaving secrets in approved local stores.
The decision behind the technique
New checkouts expose hidden assumptions: global tools, ignored files, manually seeded databases and running services. Reproducible setup turns those assumptions into explicit steps.
A setup script should recreate tools and data shape while leaving secrets in approved local stores.
A practical step-by-step workflow
Use this sequence as a default, then tighten or expand it only when the evidence changes.
- List every prerequisite from a clean checkout
- Automate dependency installation with the lockfile
- Create non-secret local defaults and seed data
- Run one smoke test at the end
Failure boundary and finish line
Never commit copied .env values or personal credential files to make setup convenient.
Finish when the configuration is smaller, reproducible and still preserves every required safety boundary.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?+
List every prerequisite from a clean checkout
What is the main failure mode?+
Never commit copied .env values or personal credential files to make setup convenient.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Verify against the source
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