Step 1: Setup Your Environment

Install all the tools you need to create your visual novel

To develop in Monogatari you'll need the same tools used for web development. This means all you need is a text editor for editing HTML, JavaScript, and CSS files. Optionally, you may also use a local web server while developing your novel.

Getting a Browser

You already have one, but is it the best one for development?

We recommend using either Chrome or Firefox for development. While your game will run in any modern browser, both Chrome and Firefox have excellent developer tools that will make debugging and testing much easier.

Why These Browsers?

• Built-in developer console for debugging

• Network inspection for asset loading

• Performance profiling tools

• Service worker debugging support

Getting a Code Editor

What editor to use comes down to personal preference, but almost any text/code editor should work—you can even use Windows Notepad! However, using a code editor designed for development will make your life much easier with features like:

• Syntax highlighting (colors for functions, variables, etc.)

• Code auto-completion

• Error detection

• Multiple file management

Recommended Free Editors

1. Visual Studio Code - Most popular, great extensions

2. Atom - Highly customizable

3. Brackets - Great for web development

If you've never used a code editor before, we recommend Visual Studio Code for its ease of use and excellent JavaScript support.

Getting a Local Web Server (Optional)

A web server retrieves and sends files to your browser when you visit a website. While optional, running a local web server enables important features during development.

Features That Require a Web Server

Feature	Why It Needs a Server
Asset Preloading	Uses service workers (requires HTTP/HTTPS)
Offline Support	Service worker caching
Save/Load with IndexedDB	Some browsers restrict file:// access

Simple Server Options

Option 1: VS Code Live Server Extension

If you're using Visual Studio Code:

1. Install the "Live Server" extension

2. Right-click index.html and select "Open with Live Server"

Option 2: Python (Built-in)

If you have Python installed:

# Python 3
python -m http.server 8000

# Python 2
python -m SimpleHTTPServer 8000

Then open http://localhost:8000 in your browser.

Option 3: Node.js

If you have Node.js installed:

npx serve

Option 4: Web Server for Chrome

Install the Web Server for Chrome extension. This creates a simple server using Chrome—you can then access it from any browser.

Verifying Your Setup

Once you have:

• ✅ A modern browser installed

• ✅ A code editor installed

• ✅ (Optional) A local web server ready

You're ready to download Monogatari!

Next Steps

• Step 2: Download Monogatari