> This page is for Developer.

> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.bigcommerce.com/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.bigcommerce.com/_mcp/server.

# Prerequisites

> The local tools, BigCommerce store, and control panel permissions you need before setting up a Catalyst project with One-Click Catalyst or the CLI.

Before you set up a Catalyst project, make sure you meet the following requirements. They apply to both [One-Click Catalyst](/developer/docs/storefront/catalyst/getting-started/one-click-catalyst) and [CLI Installation](/developer/docs/storefront/catalyst/getting-started/cli-installation).

## Local machine and accounts

### Node.js version `24.x`

Catalyst supports Node.js version `24.x`. [Download Node.js](https://nodejs.org/en/download/package-manager).

### Corepack-enabled `pnpm` (recommended)

The Catalyst docs use `pnpm` in every example. Node.js version `24.x` ships with Corepack, so run `corepack enable` in your terminal to get `pnpm`. For details, see the [Node.js Corepack documentation](https://nodejs.org/docs/latest-v24.x/api/corepack.html). The Catalyst CLI also works with `npm`, `yarn`, and `bun`, and installs dependencies with whichever package manager you run it from.

### Git version `2.35.x` or later

[Download and install Git](https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2/Getting-Started-Installing-Git).

### A BigCommerce store or sandbox

Use an existing BigCommerce store, [create a trial store](https://www.bigcommerce.com/start-your-trial/), or [create a developer sandbox](https://start.bigcommerce.com/developer-sandbox/).

### Permission to create API accounts on your store

To let Catalyst authenticate with your store, your user account needs the `Create store-level API Accounts` permission, described in [High-risk permissions](https://support.bigcommerce.com/s/article/User-Permissions#highrisk). The store owner has this permission implicitly.

### A Git hosting account (optional)

You don't need one to create a project: the CLI initializes a local Git repository for you. To push your project to a remote, you'll need an account with a Git provider such as GitHub. You can sign up for a free GitHub account on the [official GitHub signup page](https://github.com/join).

## Control panel permissions

Creating a Catalyst channel, whether through One-Click Catalyst or the CLI, requires the following permissions on your control panel user account:

* Manage Channels
* Create Channels
* Edit Channels
* Install Applications

The store owner has these permissions implicitly.