# Setting up the environment
### Getting started
Before you can dive into working with the API, you first need to set up your development environment inside your code editor / IDE of choice.
For this guide, we will use Visual Studio 2022 and C# as the programming language of choice.
### Requirements
* Install the NuGet package `Struct.App.Api.Client` into your project.
* Install the NuGet package `Struct.App.Api.Models` into your project.
* Code editor / IDE.
### Prerequisites
* You have generated an API key within your Struct PIM. If not, [see how to set it up here](https://docs.struct.com/tutorials/guides/how-to-use-struct-pims-api/how-to-set-up-and-edit-api-configurations).
***
### Setting the environment up
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Create console application
Open Visual Studio 2022, and click 'Create a new project'. Search for Console, and select the Console app project with C# as the main programming language.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Install client nuget package
In your new project, install the `Struct.App.Api.Client` NuGet package.
Use the terminal command:
```csharp
dotnet add package Struct.App.Api.Client --version 4.0.7
```
Or go to 'Tools' > 'NuGet Package Manager' > 'Manage NuGet Packages for Solution'. In the NuGet Package Manager, click on 'Browse', search for `Struct.App.Api.Client`, and install the latest version.
{% hint style="info" %}
Ensure you select the correct project on the right before installing the package.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Install model nuget package
To finalize the installation process, you need to install the `Struct.App.Api.Models`. You can do this by entering the following command in a terminal window within Visual Studio 2022:
```csharp
dotnet add package Struct.App.Api.Models --version 4.0.7
```
Or by installing it via the Nuget Package manager just like in step 2.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Create a class that contain the StructApiClient field
Create a new class called `ApiService`. Inside this class, create a private field of type `StructApiClient`. Make the constructor instantiate the field.
```csharp
using Struct.App.Api.Client;
namespace Struct.App.Api.Demo
{
public class ApiService
{
private StructApiClient _apiClient;
public ApiService()
{
_apiClient = new("your-pim-url-here", "your-api-key-here");
}
}
}
```
You will need to provide the URL to your PIM and the API key you created earlier.
{% hint style="danger" %} **Warning!** Your API key should be kept secret. Do not push any of the code you create in this guide to any public version control providers (eg Github, GitLab etc).
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Create instance of ApiService inside Program.cs
Lastly, create an instance of `ApiService` inside the `Main(string[] args)` method inside the `Program` class. You will gain access to invoke methods within the `ApiService`.
{% code overflow="wrap" %}
```csharp
using Struct.App.Api.Client;
namespace Struct.App.Api.Demo
{
public class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
ApiService service = new ApiService();
// You can now invoke methods inside the ApiService instance.
}
}
}
```
{% endcode %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
You're now ready to begin experimenting with the API through your `ApiService` instance. We recommend that you create methods inside the `ApiService` class which you then invoke through the `Main(string[] args)` method, inside the `Program` class.
