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
Xcode Command Line Tools (macOS only) Any xcode-select -p
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)

MacOS

  • Xcode Command Line Tools (required): Run xcode-select --install and follow the GUI prompt, or look for the “down arrow icon” in Launcher. This provides Git, make, and the compiler toolchain.
  • The setup script will install Homebrew (if needed) and handle all remaining prerequisites automatically

Windows

  • The setup script will handle prerequisite installation automatically

Optional (Enhanced Experience)

MCP Desktop Client

Another way to test MCP functionality is with a desktop client that connects directly to your MCP servers:

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

Testing Multiple Personas with Gmail Aliases

The Dewy Hotel app provides both manager and guest login experiences. To test both 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 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!

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