What you need to get started

It's easy to get started, first install Java and Eclipse. Then grab CloudStack using the Eclipse Update manager.

Java

You need at least Java SDK 5.0 or above.

Eclipse

You must use Eclipse 3.3M4. The PDE API underwent some changes after this version that we do not currently support. We are working on supporting the official Eclipse 3.3 release.

CloudStack

Once you have the Eclipse IDE up and running:

- Select Help->Software Updates->Find and Install...
- Choose "Search for New Features to Install" and click "Next"
- Click on the "New Remote Site" button to define a new site
Name: CloudStack
URL: http://www.cloudstack.com/update
- Click on "Finish" which will fetch the list of available CloudStack features
- Select "CloudStack Core" and click "Next"
- Accept the license agreement and click "Next"
- Review your selected features and click "Finish" to download
- You'll need to restart Eclipse (recommended) to finish the install

Create a CloudStack developer account

A CloudStack developer account let's you build and deploy your application on a robust peer to web network - the CloudStack Network. You can always deploy your application on your own infrastructure but the CloudStack Network eliminates the hassles of configuration and provides additional services that let you focus on what you do best - building your application.

In addition to basic services like user authentication and management, the CloudStack Network provides relays for NAT/Firewall traversal, global presence management, and store-and-forward services.

Signup for a developer account

Jumpstart your application

CloudStack provides two shell applications - one for headless applications (e.g. appliances) and one for branded UI applications (e.g. desktop apps), that can be used as a starting point to writing your own application.

We highly recommend you get these and follow the CloudStack Jumpstart guide to get rolling.