> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bigdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Prerequisites

Ready to start building with Bigdata.com? This page will guide you through all the essential steps to set up your local environment, so you can hit the ground running with your projects.

Here's what you'll accomplish on this page:

✅ Create a python virtual environment <br />
✅ Install the Bigdata.com SDK `bigdata-client` <br />
✅ Initialise environment variables <br />

Let's get your workspace ready for success!

<Tip>
  It's recommended to use python 3.11.
</Tip>

# Create a python virtual environment

Open the terminal and create a virtual environment with the following
command:

```bash theme={null}
python3 -m venv bigdata_venv
```

Activate the virtual environment, every time you want to use it:

```bash theme={null}
source ./bigdata_venv/bin/activate
```

# Install the Bigdata.com SDK \[bigdata-client]

Let's install `bigdata-client` within the environment `bigdata_venv`.

```bash theme={null}
pip install bigdata-client
```

# Initialise environment variables

Specify your Bigdata.com credentials either with a `.env` file or by exporting the environment variables.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title=".env file">
    Create a `.env` file in the root of your project with the following content:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Bigdata credentials or create an API Key in the Bigdata App > Settings
    BIGDATA_USERNAME=<YOUR_USERNAME>
    BIGDATA_PASSWORD=<YOUR_PASSWORD>

    # Bigdata API key (Not supported for uploads service yet)
    BIGDATA_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY>

    # Maximum number of parallel threads (optional) 10 by default
    BIGDATA_MAX_PARALLEL_REQUESTS=50
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Export environment variables">
    Create a script or export the environment variables in your terminal:

    ```bash theme={null}
    export BIGDATA_USERNAME=<YOUR_USERNAME>
    export BIGDATA_PASSWORD=<YOUR_PASSWORD>
    ```

    or

    ```bash theme={null}
    export BIGDATA_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY>
    ```

    Export a maximum number of parallel threads (optional, 10 by default):

    ```bash theme={null}
    export BIGDATA_MAX_PARALLEL_REQUESTS=50
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>