# Getting Started with AeThex Engine

## Your Journey Starts Here 🚀

Don't worry if this feels overwhelming - we'll take it step by step!

## What You Have Right Now

✅ AeThex Engine source code (in the `engine/` folder)  
✅ Project structure set up  
✅ This awesome documentation  

## What You Need to Do Next

### Step 1: Install Build Tools (5 minutes)

Run this command to install everything you need:
```bash
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y \
    build-essential scons pkg-config libx11-dev libxcursor-dev \
    libxinerama-dev libgl1-mesa-dev libglu-dev libasound2-dev \
    libpulse-dev libudev-dev libxi-dev libxrandr-dev
```

### Step 2: Build Your First Engine (15-30 minutes)

```bash
cd /workspaces/AeThex-Engine-Core/engine
scons platform=linuxbsd target=editor -j4
```

This will compile the engine. Grab a coffee ☕ - it takes a while the first time!

### Step 3: Run It!

```bash
./bin/aethex.linuxbsd.editor.x86_64
```

🎉 **Congratulations!** You just built a game engine from source!

## Common Issues & Solutions

### "scons: command not found"
→ Run the install command from Step 1

### Build fails with "missing header"
→ Make sure all dependencies are installed (Step 1)

### Build takes forever
→ That's normal for the first build! Subsequent builds are much faster

### I'm stuck!
→ Ask Claude (me!) for help - just describe what's happening

## What's Next?

Once you have the engine built:
1. **Explore** - Click around, see how it works
2. **Customize** - Start changing colors, text, features
3. **Learn** - Follow the [First Game Tutorial](tutorials/FIRST_GAME_TUTORIAL.md)
4. **Build** - Add your first unique AeThex feature!

## Pro Tips

- Use `-j4` or `-j8` flag to compile faster (parallel jobs)
- The engine remembers what's compiled - rebuilds are quick!
- Change one small thing at a time
- Test frequently
- Ask Claude for help anytime

## Your First Customization Ideas

**Easy:**
- Change the splash screen logo
- Modify the default project name
- Add a custom color theme

**Medium:**
- Add a new menu item
- Create a custom export template
- Build a new tool window

**Advanced:**
- Integrate an AI API
- Add cloud save functionality
- Create a new node type

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**Remember:** Every expert was once a beginner. You've got this! 💪
