# Building the App Locally

### Running in Python

The app requires python 3.6 or higher.  Check what [version python you have](https://note.nkmk.me/en/python-sys-platform-version-info/) on your machine using your command prompt tool. 

FYI, Macs come with python 2.7 installed.  If you run `python --version` you may get 2.7 even if you have newer versions installed. [Here's how to manage python on your Mac](https://docs.python-guide.org/starting/install3/osx/).

#### Create your python environment

Let's fast track you. In order to avoid installing every package used by the app, you can use `pipenv`. 

First, [install](https://pipenv.pypa.io/en/latest/#install-pipenv-today) pipenv.

[Here](https://pipenv-fork.readthedocs.io/en/latest/basics.html#example-pipenv-workflow)'s a guide to walking through that process. 

### Running in Docker

We have also "containerized" the app, which means the app can run with a tool called Docker without you needing to install anything (other than docker) on your machine. 

The benefit of using Docker is keeping your python environment clean.  Python is a [tricky tool to manage](https://snarky.ca/why-you-should-use-python-m-pip/) on your local machine and most python-based applications require python packages.  Docker installs these packages in the container and then builds and runs the container on your machine. 

[Here's a basic installation guide for docker.](https://docs.docker.com/install/) 

For guidance on running the app on your own machine please see [Getting Started: Run Locally](https://codeforphilly.github.io/chime/getting-started/run-locally.html).