AeThex-Engine-Core/docs/GETTING_STARTED.md

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

✅ Godot 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:

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)

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!

./bin/godot.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 - Check out Godot tutorials to understand the codebase
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! 💪