5 minutesBeginner friendlyAI-assisted

Quickstart

Create your repo, install, and start building. This is the fast path – if you need detailed instructions or get stuck, visit the full Setup guide.

Before you begin

You'll need:

  • Node.js 20+ installed
  • pnpm package manager
  • Git installed
  • VS Code with Copilot (or similar AI editor)

Quick checks:

node --version
pnpm --version

No pnpm? npm i -g pnpm

1

Create your repo from template

Choose the method that works for you:

  1. Open Catalyst on GitHub
  2. Click Use this template → Create a new repository
  3. Name your project and create
  4. Copy your repo URL from the green Code button, then clone:
git clone https://github.com/YOUR-ORG/my-project.git

Never clone Catalyst directly – always use the template.

Don't have access? Contact RIVER Group

2

Setup with AI

Open your project in VS Code, then start a new AI chat and run setup:

/setup

Or attach catalyst/commands/setup.md if your IDE doesn't support slash commands.

3

Start building

You're ready to go. Choose your path:

This is your default command. Use it to start every AI chat – it loads your project context and primes the AI on best practice.

/code

Or attach the command file directly: catalyst/commands/code.md

Try your first prompt:

Update the landing page with a hero, features, and CTA for my project

Quick reference

Terminal commands

pnpm devStart server
pnpm buildBuild for prod
pnpm lintCheck code
Ctrl+CStop server

VS Code shortcuts

Ctrl+Shift+IOpen Copilot
Ctrl+Shift+PCommand palette
Ctrl+`Open terminal
Ctrl+SSave file

Quick fixes

Server won't start? Delete node_modules and run pnpm install again.
Changes not showing? Hard refresh with Ctrl+Shift+R.
AI not following patterns? Ask it why, and start with /code.
Need more help? See the full Setup guide.

What's next?

Project dashboard

Track project state, briefs, and progress

Make it yours

Customise colours, radius, fonts, and more

Learn the approach

Why proof-led delivery works

Full setup guide

Detailed steps if you get stuck