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

4. Email Account with Alias Support

  • Purpose: You’ll create separate Guest and Manager accounts using email aliases (e.g., yourname+guest@gmail.com, yourname+manager@gmail.com)
  • Gmail works out of the box — the + suffix routes to your main inbox
  • Outlook/Hotmail also supports + aliases
  • Action: Verify alias delivery works by sending yourself a test email to yourname+test@yourdomain.com before workshop day

Local Environment Requirements

Required Software

Software Minimum Version Check Command
Node.js 20+ node --version
Git Any recent git --version
make Any make --version
Workato CLI (wk) Any wk version

Install the Workato CLI

The wk CLI must be installed before the workshop. The setup script will check for it but cannot install it automatically.

macOS / Linux 

brew install workato/tap/wk

Windows 

scoop install wk

Verify it’s installed: wk version

  • VS Code or preferred IDE
  • Terminal access (iTerm2, Terminal.app, Windows Terminal)

macOS / Linux

  • Homebrew — required for installing wk and other dependencies
  • Install: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Windows

  • Scoop — required for installing wk and other dependencies
  • Install: irm get.scoop.sh | iex

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 as an alternative way to test 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 email supports aliases:
   - Send a test email to yourname+test@gmail.com
   - You'll use +guest and +manager aliases during the workshop

5. Install the Workato CLI:
   - macOS/Linux: brew install workato/tap/wk
   - Windows: scoop install wk
   - Verify: wk version

6. Verify your local environment:
   - Node.js 20+: `node --version`
   - Git: `git --version`

7. 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)
  • Email alias delivery verified (e.g., yourname+test@gmail.com)
  • Homebrew (macOS/Linux) or Scoop (Windows) installed
  • Workato CLI installed (wk version)
  • Node.js 20+ installed (node --version)
  • Git installed (git --version)
  • make installed (make --version)
  • IDE installed (VS Code recommended)
  • Laptop charged / power adapter packed