Most of the dependencies are handled by "buildout" -- more on that later. But you must install a few using your system package manager. The command listed is what we use for a Debian system.

It's important that you get Python 2.6 or greater -- some of the OpenHatch code depends on Python 2.6 or higher.

Subversion is a dependency ONLY if you expect to run unit tests or work with the missions.

We store the source code for the OpenHatch project in a git repository in Gitorious.

If you don't have git installed, or don't know how to use it, see the "hint" link for a training mission that should help.

OpenHatch uses Buildout to manage dependencies.

Run these commands from the top level directory of the repository, and grab some coffee, snacks, or both. This may take awhile.

You'll download a whole bunch of Python code and run other setup tasks. This is controlled by setup.py and buildout.cfg in the codebase.

Generally, to create a database, you have to be root. To open a MySQL session, type in the above command, then type your MySQL root password.

To exit, type "exit" and press enter.

If you want to know what the script does, read the file. It is reasonably well-commented.

(A note: If you ever decide you want to drop the database, just send "DROP DATABASE oh_milestone_a" to MySQL, then re-run the database creation script. You do not have to recreate the users.)

Exit from MySQL, and run this command from the top level directory.

By passing "noinput", you request that Django not ask you questions. It's important that we not let Django create a super-user at this stage.

The README has some suggestions if this doesn't "just work".

Run the 'runserver' command. If everything went well and the server started you should see something like this:

Django version 1.1.2, using settings 'mysite.settings'
Development server is running at http://127.0.0.1:8000/
Quit the server with CONTROL-C.

in your shell window. If you want to run the server on an IP other than loopback, use the syntax 'bin/mysite runserver IP:PORT' where IP and PORT are what IP and port you want the server to run on.

Now load http://localhost:8000/ (or your custom IP and/or port address) in your web browser. If you see a familiar-looking page then congratulations! You now have your own personal OpenHatch server to hack away at!