skills/firebase-basics/references/local-env-setup.md

# Firebase Local Environment Setup

This skill documents the bare minimum setup required for a full Firebase
experience for the agent. Before starting to use any Firebase features, you MUST
verify that each of the following steps has been completed.

## 1. Verify Node.js

- **Action**: Run `node --version`.

- **Handling**: Ensure Node.js is installed and the version is `>= 20`. If
  Node.js is missing or `< v20`, install it based on the operating system:

  **Recommended: Use a Node Version Manager** This avoids permission issues when
  installing global packages.

  **For macOS or Linux:**

  1. Guide the user to the
     [official nvm repository](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm#installing-and-updating).
  1. Request the user to manually install `nvm` and reply when finished. **Stop
     and wait** for the user's confirmation.
  1. Make `nvm` available in the current terminal session by sourcing the
     appropriate profile:
     ```bash
     # For Bash
     source ~/.bash_profile
     source ~/.bashrc

     # For Zsh
     source ~/.zprofile
     source ~/.zshrc
     ```
  1. Install Node.js:
     ```bash
     nvm install 24
     nvm use 24
     ```

  **For Windows:**

  1. Guide the user to download and install
     [nvm-windows](https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows/releases).
  1. Request the user to manually install `nvm-windows` and Node.js, and reply
     when finished. **Stop and wait** for the user's confirmation.
  1. After the user confirms, verify Node.js is available:
     ```bash
     node --version
     ```

  **Alternative: Official Installer**

  1. Guide the user to download and install the LTS version from
     [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/en/download).
  1. Request the user to manually install Node.js and reply when finished.
     **Stop and wait** for the user's confirmation.

## 2. Verify Firebase CLI

- **Command**: `npx -y firebase-tools@latest --version`
- **Expected**: Successfully outputs a version string.

## 3. Verify Firebase Authentication

You must be authenticated to manage Firebase projects.

- **Action**: Run `npx -y firebase-tools@latest login`.
- **Handling**: If the environment is remote or restricted (no browser access),
  run `npx -y firebase-tools@latest login --no-localhost` instead.

## 4. Install Agent Skills and MCP Server

To fully manage Firebase, the agent needs specific skills and the Firebase MCP
server installed. Refer to the main `SKILL.md` for direct links to the
installation instructions specific to your agent environment.

______________________________________________________________________

**CRITICAL AGENT RULE:** Do NOT proceed with any other Firebase tasks until
EVERY step above has been successfully verified and completed.