+++
title = "Install Prerequisites"
weight = 1
+++

These instructions assume you are using Microsoft Windows but you should be able to follow them on a Linux or Mac with minor modifications.  

{% linux() %}
When there is a significant difference on non-Windows platforms it will be called out in a box like this one.
{% end %}
{% info() %}
Tips or solutions to common problems will be highlighted in a box like this.
{% end %}

The minimum hardware requirements for using the SDK are:
- **12 GB** RAM (preferably 16 GB or more)
- 4 CPU cores
- 20 GB free hard disk space

The Spark SDK uses a tool called Docker to distribute all of the tools you need to build and test your trading algorithm ("Algo").  Once you have Docker installed you can download and import the Spark SDK image and be ready to start developing your Algo in a few minutes. 

## Docker

Download and install <a href="https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop" target="_blank">Docker Desktop for Windows/Mac. <i class="fa fa-fw fa-window-restore" aria-hidden="true"></i></a>

<div class="linux">
<i class="fa fa-linux fa-fw" aria-hidden="true"></i>
If you are using Linux follow the <a href="https://docs.docker.com/install/#supported-platforms">official install instructions for Docker for your distribution.</a>
</div>

During the install Docker may ask you to enable virtualization support and reboot.

Once Docker Desktop is installed and running it will create an icon in your system tray area that looks like the Docker logo.  
![](../docker_tray.png)

Right click on the tray icon and choose 'Settings' and choose the 'Advanced' tab.

Ensure that the docker image has 8192 MB of memory and at least 2 cores.  Memory that you assign to the docker image will not be available to Windows/Mac while Docker is running. CPU cores are shared with the host OS.  Since you are going to use this image to compile your Algo it makes sense to allow Docker to use all available cores.

<img src="../docker_config.png" width="640" >

## Sharing

You need to give Docker access to the Windows drive where your source code is kept. 

Open Settings -> Shared Drives and check the drive where you intend to keep your Algo source code.

<div class="info">
<i class="fa fa-lightbulb-o fa-fw" aria-hidden="true"></i>
If you run into trouble with drive sharing, see <a href="https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/remote/troubleshooting#_docker-desktop-for-windows-tips">Docker Desktop for Windows tips</a> on avoiding common problems.
</div>

## Editor

The Server SDK includes a complete configuration for C++ development with the <a href="https://code.visualstudio.com/" target="_blank">Visual Studio Code <i class="fa fa-fw fa-window-restore" aria-hidden="true"></i></a> editor.  If you are a new to C++ development on a Linux system we recommend you give this a try as it's the easiest way to get up and running quickly. Of course, If you have a different editor that you prefer we fully support that as well.