Getting Started

Goal

This snapshot advances Stellar Press by teaching you to create a minimal Astro app.

Every numbered folder is a complete app. Run this stage independently, then compare it with the previous folder.

Prerequisites

Use Node.js 20+, npm, and a terminal. No Docker is required for SQLite stages.

Port 4321 must be free. Copy .env.example before starting database stages.

• Node.js and npm
• A code editor and terminal

Concepts

Astro boots a server with file-based or declarative routes.

Keep server endpoints thin: pages present data, API routes enforce rules, and Astro escapes output by default.

Walkthrough

Return a JSON hello from the root path.

Read the example, then open the matching snapshot. The repository includes the surrounding setup and error handling.

export const GET: APIRoute = () => Response.json({ message: 'Stellar Press is live' })

Run and verify

Enter 01-Getting-Started, install dependencies, copy .env.example, and start Astro on port 4321.

Open http://127.0.0.1:4321. Watch the terminal for validation and database errors.

git clone https://github.com/michaeldunga1/fcc-astro-blog.git
cd fcc-astro-blog/01-Getting-Started
npm install
cp .env.example .env
npm run dev -- --port 4321

Troubleshooting

If the browser cannot connect, confirm the process is still running.

For database failures, confirm Docker/Wrangler and the *.db name when applicable. Never commit .env, *.db, or node_modules.

• Read the first error first
• Restart after environment changes
• Never commit secrets

Try this

Add a /health route that returns JSON ok: true.

Test a happy path and one invalid or unauthorized request.

• Make one small change
• Test it in the browser
• Compare with the next snapshot only after it works