Pre-Workshop Setup

Complete these steps 2-3 days before the workshop.

Required Account Signups

1. Workato Developer Edition

  • URL: workato.com/sandbox
  • Cost: Free
  • Approval Time: 24-48 hours
  • Required Permissions: Full workspace access

2. Salesforce Developer Edition

  • URL: developer.salesforce.com/signup
  • Cost: Free
  • Approval Time: Instant
  • Action: Verify you can log in before workshop day
  • Important: Note your username (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com.devorg) — you’ll need it for CLI authentication
  • URL: dashboard.stripe.com/register
  • Cost: Free
  • Purpose: Payment processing features (checkout, refunds)
  • Why it matters: Without Stripe, payment-related recipes won’t function and you’ll miss key parts of the workshop experience
  • Important Setup Steps:
    1. For new accounts, Stripe’s onboarding asks you to register a business
    2. Click “Skip for now” (twice)
    3. Choose the “Sandbox” option
    4. Never use a Live Stripe account for the workshop

Local Environment Requirements

Required Software

Software Minimum Version Check Command
Node.js 20+ node --version
Git Any recent git --version
Python 3.11+ python3 --version
  • VS Code or preferred IDE
  • Terminal access (iTerm2, Terminal.app, Windows Terminal)

Optional (Enhanced Experience)

MCP Desktop Client (Backup Testing Option)

If the LLM setup in the hotel app has issues, you can test your MCP servers directly using a desktop client:

Configuration instructions are provided in Unit 1 after you create your MCP servers.

Testing Multiple Personas with Gmail Aliases

To test both guest and manager personas using a single Gmail account, use the + alias feature:

Persona Email Format Example
Guest yourname+guest@gmail.com john.doe+guest@gmail.com
Manager yourname+manager@gmail.com john.doe+manager@gmail.com

All emails go to your main inbox. Register each alias as a separate contact in Salesforce with the appropriate contact type (Guest or Manager).

Pre-Workshop Verification Script

Run this script to verify your environment:

#!/bin/bash
echo "=== Pre-Workshop Environment Check ==="

# Node.js
echo -n "Node.js: "
node --version 2>/dev/null || echo "NOT INSTALLED"

# Python
echo -n "Python: "
python3 --version 2>/dev/null || echo "NOT INSTALLED"

# Git
echo -n "Git: "
git --version 2>/dev/null || echo "NOT INSTALLED"

# Network (can reach Workato)
echo -n "Network (Workato): "
curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" https://app.trial.workato.com/users/sign_in_trial | grep -q "200" && echo "OK" || echo "BLOCKED"

# Network (can reach Salesforce)
echo -n "Network (Salesforce): "
curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" https://login.salesforce.com | grep -q "200" && echo "OK" || echo "BLOCKED"

echo "=== Check Complete ==="

Pre-Workshop Email Template

Send 1 week before the workshop:

Subject: MCP Workshop - Setup Checklist (Action Required)

Hi [Name],

Please complete these steps before the workshop on [Date]:

1. Sign up for Workato Developer Edition
   https://workato.com/sandbox
   Note: Approval may take 24-48 hours

2. Sign up for Salesforce Developer Edition
   https://developer.salesforce.com/signup
   Note: Instant approval, but verify you can log in

3. Sign up for Stripe Developer Account (Highly Recommended)
   https://dashboard.stripe.com/register
   Note: Skip business registration, choose Sandbox mode

4. Verify your local environment:
   - Node.js 20+: `node --version`
   - Git: `git --version`
   - Python 3.11+: `python3 --version`

5. Ensure you have an IDE installed:
   - Recommended: VS Code (https://code.visualstudio.com)
   - Any code editor that supports TypeScript will work

If you encounter any issues, reply to this email and we'll help troubleshoot before the workshop.

See you there!

Troubleshooting Common Pre-Workshop Issues

Python Version Issues

Problem: python3 --version shows version < 3.11

Solution using Homebrew:

# Install Python 3.11 using Homebrew
brew install python@3.11

# Verify installation
python3.11 --version

# If python3 still points to old version, add to PATH:
export PATH="/opt/homebrew/opt/python@3.11/bin:$PATH"

Node.js Version Issues

Problem: node --version shows version < 20

Solution using nvm:

# Install nvm (if not installed)
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash

# Restart shell, then install Node 20
nvm install 20
nvm use 20

Network/Firewall Issues

Problem: Curl tests return “BLOCKED”

Solutions:

  1. Check corporate VPN settings
  2. Try from personal network/hotspot
  3. Contact IT to whitelist: app.trial.workato.com, login.salesforce.com

Day-Before Checklist

  • Workato Developer Edition approved and accessible
  • Salesforce Developer Edition login working (note your username!)
  • Stripe Developer Account created (Sandbox mode)
  • Gmail aliases created for testing (e.g., yourname+guest@gmail.com, yourname+manager@gmail.com)
  • Node.js 20+ installed and verified
  • Python 3.11+ installed and verified
  • Git installed
  • IDE installed (VS Code recommended)
  • Laptop charged / power adapter packed