# Setting up a Hardhat project

Description: Hardhat 3 Tutorial - Setting up a project

Note: This document was authored using MDX

  Source: https://github.com/NomicFoundation/hardhat-website/tree/main/src/content/docs/docs/tutorial/setup.mdx

  Components used in this page:
    - <Run cmd="..."/>: Runs a command in the terminal with npm/pnpm/yarn.
    - <RunRemote>: Runs a command in the terminal with npx/pnpm dlx/yarn dlx.
    - <Badge>: Inline badge/label. Props: `text`, `variant`, `size`.
    - :::tip: A helpful tip callout block. Supports custom title `:::tip[Title]` and icon `:::tip{icon="name"}` syntax.

import { Badge } from "@astrojs/starlight/components";
import Run from "@hh/Run.astro";
import RunRemote from "@hh/RunRemote.astro";

Before you start, make sure you have [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/) 22+ and a package manager (such as `npm` or `pnpm`) installed:

<Run preCommand="node --version" command="--version" />

If you don't have Node.js installed, or you have an older version, you can learn how to install or update it using `nvm` or `volta` in [this guide](https://nodejs.org/en/download).

On Windows, you will also need the C++ runtime libraries. You can get them by installing the [C++ redistributable package](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist).

## Creating your project

You'll create an empty directory and initialize a Hardhat project inside it:

<RunRemote
  preCommand={["mkdir hardhat-tutorial", "cd hardhat-tutorial"]}
  command="hardhat --init"
/>

You'll be prompted to select a few options. Accept the defaults for everything **except the project type** (we'll use a minimal project):

1. Version: "Hardhat 3 Beta"
2. Directory: current directory (`"."`)
3. **Project type: "A minimal Hardhat project"** <Badge text="not default" variant="caution" />
4. Install dependencies: yes

Once the setup is complete, let's verify that everything is working:

<Run command="hardhat --help" />

If you see Hardhat's help output in your terminal, you're all set!

:::tip
Read our [Hardhat projects explanation](/docs/explanations/hardhat-projects) to learn more about the structure of a Hardhat project.
:::

Now that your project is set up, you're ready to start building!