# Getting started
## What you’ll do

- Install Valdr from the setup guide
- Confirm the `valdr` CLI works on your machine
- Point Valdr at your local data directory and run your first workflow

## Before you begin
- Git installed and access to clone the repository
- macOS with Homebrew installed
- Optional: cloud provider credentials (e.g., `OPENAI_API_KEY`) if you plan to use hosted models; Valdr also works in local-only mode

## Fast path to your first workflow

1. Read the [Valdr overview](/valdr/docs/about/) to learn what Valdr is and when to use it.
2. [Install Valdr](install/), then run `valdr --version`.
3. [Configure Valdr](configure/) to set your data directory and any provider keys.
4. [Use Valdr](usage/) to start the services, launch a workflow, and see the review loop.
## Next

Go to [Install Valdr](install/) to set up the toolchain.