# Getting Started

Welcome to UCLCHEM! This guide will help you get up and running with UCLCHEM in just a few minutes.

## Prerequisites

Before installing UCLCHEM, make sure you have:

- **Python 3.8 or later**
- **A Fortran compiler** (gfortran recommended)
- **pip** package manager

## Quick Start

::::{grid} 1 1 1 3
:gutter: 2

:::{grid-item-card} 1. Install
:link: installation
:link-type: doc

Install UCLCHEM and its dependencies
:::

:::{grid-item-card} 2. Learn
:link: quickstart
:link-type: doc

Run your first model
:::

:::{grid-item-card} 3. Explore
:link: ../tutorials/index
:link-type: doc

Dive into tutorials
:::

::::

## What You'll Learn

```{toctree}
:maxdepth: 1

installation
quickstart
```

## Need Help?

- Check the [User Guide](../user-guide/index.md) for detailed information
- Browse the [Tutorials](../tutorials/index.md) for examples
- See the [API Reference](../api/index.rst) for function documentation
- Visit the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/uclchem/UCLCHEM) to report issues

## Next Steps

After completing the getting started guide, you can:

1. **Explore Tutorials**: Work through the [tutorial notebooks](../tutorials/index.md)
2. **Read the User Guide**: Learn about [physics models](../user-guide/physics-models.md) and [parameters](../user-guide/parameters.md)
3. **Customize Networks**: Create your own chemical network with [MakeRates](../user-guide/makerates.md)
4. **Analyze Results**: Use built-in [analysis tools](../notebooks/4_chemical_analysis.ipynb)