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# Clone and Edit Locally

Ready to work on your own computer? This guide will show you how to download the entire project and make changes using proper development tools.

## Why Work Locally?

Working on your own computer gives you:

- Faster editing with better text editors
- Offline work capability
- Better tools for handling images and complex changes
- More control over your development environment

## What You'll Need

Before starting, install these free tools:

### Step 1: Install Git

1. Go to git-scm.com
2. Download Git for your operating system
3. Install with default settings
4. Open a terminal/command prompt and type `git --version` to verify

### Step 2: Install a Text Editor

Choose one of these beginner-friendly options:

- VS Code (recommended) - code.visualstudio.com
- Atom - atom.io
- Sublime Text - sublimetext.com

### Step 3: Set Up Git

Open a terminal/command prompt and run these commands (replace with your info):

    git config --global user.name "Your Name"
    git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

## Clone the Repository

### Step 1: Get the Clone URL

1. Go to our project on git.albertademocracytaskforce.org
2. Click the "Clone" button
3. Copy the HTTPS URL (it looks like: `https://git.albertademocracytaskforce.org/username/projectname.git`)

### Step 2: Choose a Location

Decide where on your computer you want the project folder:

- Windows: `C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Projects\`
- Mac/Linux: `/Users/YourName/Documents/Projects/` or `/home/YourName/Projects/`

### Step 3: Clone the Project

Open a terminal/command prompt, navigate to your chosen location, and run:

    git clone https://git.albertademocracytaskforce.org/[USERNAME]/[PROJECTNAME].git

This creates a folder with all the project files.

## Make Changes Locally

### Step 1: Open the Project

1. Open your text editor (VS Code, etc.)
2. Open the project folder you just cloned
3. Navigate to `mkdocs/docs/` to see the website files

### Step 2: Create a New Branch

Before making changes, create a new branch:

    git checkout -b my-improvement-branch

### Step 3: Make Your Edits

1. Edit any `.md` files in your text editor
2. Save your changes
3. Preview if possible (your editor might have Markdown preview)

### Step 4: Check Your Changes

See what files you've modified:

    git status

See exactly what changed:

    git diff

## Commit Your Changes

### Step 1: Add Files

Tell Git which files to include in your commit:

    git add .

(The `.` means "add all changed files")

### Step 2: Commit

Save your changes with a descriptive message:

    git commit -m "Improve FAQ section with clearer examples"

## Push and Create Pull Request

### Step 1: Push Your Branch

Send your changes to the server:

    git push origin my-improvement-branch

### Step 2: Create Pull Request

1. Go to our project on Gitea
2. You'll see a notice about your new branch with a button to create a pull request
3. Click it and fill out the form
4. Submit your pull request

## Keep Your Local Copy Updated

Before starting new work, always get the latest changes:

    git checkout main
    git pull origin main

Then create a new branch for your next improvement.

## What's Next?

Now you know how to work locally! Learn about Submitting Changes to master the review process.

## Video Tutorial

[Administrator: Add a video tutorial showing the complete local development workflow from clone to pull request]

## Quick Command Reference

    # Clone a repository
    git clone [URL]

    # Create and switch to new branch
    git checkout -b [branch-name]

    # Check status
    git status

    # Add all changes
    git add .

    # Commit changes
    git commit -m "Your message"

    # Push branch
    git push origin [branch-name]

    # Get latest changes
    git pull origin main

## Troubleshooting

"Git not recognized"? Make sure Git is installed and restart your terminal.

Permission denied? You might need to set up SSH keys or use HTTPS authentication.

Merge conflicts? Don't panic! This happens when multiple people edit the same lines. Ask for help or check our collaboration guide.