> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.squirrel365.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.squirrel365.io/squirrel-addon-documentation/squirrel-helper-library/javascript/getting-started/building-your-first-add-on.md).
# Building your first add-on
To help you get started with building an add-on using JavaScript we've created a sample project which you can clone down from GitHub. This project has all the lifecycle hooks set up and includes the Squirrel Helper Library for you.
### Clone the project from GitHub
```
git clone https://github.com/Squirrel-365/Squirrel-Addon-JS.git
```
### Run the add-on
{% hint style="info" %}
To be able to view the add-on in Squirrel you need to be running the add-on in a web server. If you do not have a web server on your machine there are a number of options:
* [WAMP ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WampServer)or [LAMP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAMP_\(software_bundle\))
* [http-server](https://www.npmjs.com/package/http-server) for node
For this guide we will be using http-server.
{% endhint %}
Once cloned, cd into the project folder and run
```
http-server -c-1 -p 8080
```
This will run the addon on and disable any page caching.
### Testing the addon in Squirrel
Open Squirrel and add the "Add-on Developer Program" component to the canvas
Once added, enter the addon URL () in the properties panel and click the "Get json files" button .
{% hint style="danger" %}
*ensure you add a slash at the end of the URL*
{% endhint %}
*This will load up the properties panel, and show the addon web application*
