= Step 1: Compiler install =

First, it's recommended you start with the the Tango variant of the [http://www.dsource.org/projects/tango/wiki/DmdDownloads dmd] compiler.  Linux users may also want to consider the new [http://www.dsource.org/projects/ldc ldc] compiler. [http://www.digitalmars.com/d/download.html Phobos] fans can still use Blaze, although you will not be able to compile the testbed examples because of Tango dependencies.

Make sure you remember to add '''<install location>/dmd/bin''' to your system path.

= Step 2: Install a build tool =

Fortunately, the Windows Tango package includes an excellent tool called jake. Linux users will want to install rebuild, which is included with the [http://www.dsource.org/projects/dsss dsss] package.  Windows users can also install dsss, although jake will work fine.

Again, if you choose to use rebuild, make sure you add '''<install location>/dsss/bin''' to your system path.

= Step 3: Install Blaze =

Checkout a working copy with [http://subversion.tigris.org/ Subversion].

For most purposes, you way want to consider creating an active working directory where you will maintain all of your libraries and projects.  For example, windows users should create something like `c:\workspace\` and on Linux, something like `~/workspace`
[[BR]]

Checkout the source files:
{{{
cd workspace
svn co http://svn.dsource.org/projects/blaze/trunk blaze
}}}

To update:
{{{
cd <install location>/workspace/blaze
svn up
}}}

= Step 4: Compile helloWorld =

Ok, you've made it this far without destroying your computer in frustration... Now comes the easy park!

{{{
cd workspace/blaze/examples/helloWorld
}}}

Windows w/ jake:
{{{
jake -I../.. helloWorld.d
}}}

Windows or Linux with rebuild:

{{{
rebuild -I../.. helloWorld.d
}}}

That's it! If you've make it this far as a D noob, congrats! You've already overcome the most difficult part of learning the D Programming Language: installing the compiler tools! Coding in D is a breeze....

= Step 5: Compile the testbed examples =

Ok, Phobos fanboys can stop here.  The testbed examples have Tango dependencies and you will not be able to compile them. Tango  folks, please do the following:

First, you will need to install [http://www.selenic.com/mercurial/wiki/ Mercurial]. Next, head over to team0xf and install their excellent set of library [http://hybrid.team0xf.com/wiki/Main/GettingStarted tools].

Make sure you install everything into `<install path>/workspace/xf`

When finished, you should have a directory structure that looks something (Windows example) like this:
{{{
c:\workspace\blaze
c:\workspace\xf 
}}}

The testbed framework includes a number of build scripts, so they should be fairly easy to compile.
{{{
cd workspace\blaze\examples\testBed\framework
}}}

On Windows, run the included batch file to compile:
{{{
build-dmd-win.bat
}}}

On Linux, try this:
{{{
chmod a+x build-dmd.sh
./build-dmd.sh
}}}

Now sit back and wait for it to compile. If it's your first time, it may take a few minutes. Run the `main` binary when it's finished, and have fun!

= For Help =

Sign up for a dsource account, and ask for help in the [http://www.dsource.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=187 forum]