# Development Setup

## Required Tools

- Fallout 4 on PC
- Fallout 4 Script Extender, F4SE
- Fallout 4 Creation Kit
- Visual Studio 2022 or newer
- Git
- CMake or another build system required by the selected plugin template
- Mod Organizer 2 or Vortex

## Recommended Fallout 4 Setup

Use a clean test profile.

Recommended:

```text
Fallout 4
F4SE
Fallout 4 Together test plugin
No other gameplay mods
Dedicated test save
```

Avoid testing with a full modlist while developing the core systems.

## Version Tracking

Record the exact versions used:

```text
Fallout 4 version:
F4SE version:
Creation Kit version:
CommonLibF4 template:
Windows version:
Compiler version:
```

## Folder Notes

Do not copy Fallout 4 game files into this repository.

Do not copy F4SE binaries into this repository.

Use the `plugin/external/README.md` file to document where external dependencies should be installed.