# Initial Setup

> Sets up the development environment for GenVM repository. Use when setting up the repo for the first time or when dependencies need to be refreshed.

- Skill: `genlayerlabs/initial-setup` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add genlayerlabs/initial-setup`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/genlayerlabs/initial-setup/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: genlayerlabs (https://skillmd.com/u/genlayerlabs)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/genlayerlabs/initial-setup

---


To set up the GenVM development environment:

1. **Enter the Nix flake environment:**
   ```bash
   nix develop .#full
   ```

2. **Initialize git submodules:**
   ```bash
   git submodule update --init --recursive --depth 1
   ```

3. **Source environment variables:**
   ```bash
   source env.sh
   ```
   This adds `tools/git-third-party` to PATH and sources `.env` if it exists.

4. **Update third-party dependencies:**
   ```bash
   ./tools/git-third-party/git-third-party update --all
   ```
   This updates wasmtime, wasm-tools, and applies GenVM-specific patches.

The repository will be ready for development with all dependencies properly configured.