# Getting Started

***

The ZKsync CLI is a powerful tool designed to simplify the setup, development, testing, and deployment of contracts on Validium. It also provides a way to scaffold dApps using templates using various frontend and web3 libraries. ZKsync CLI is published on npm as [`zksync-cli`](https://www.npmjs.com/package/zksync-cli). Commands are invoked using `zksync-cli` in the terminal.

### Dependencies <a href="#dependencies" id="dependencies"></a>

To install ZKsync CLI on your local system, you will need Node.js. ZKsync CLI requires Node.js to run commands on your local environment.

[Download and install Node.js](https://nodejs.org/en/download) which will include the `npm` and `npx` commands. You can execute ZKsync CLI commands without having to install the package using the `npx` command. Our guides will assume you to install the ZKsync CLI globally using `npm install`.

#### Optional dependencies <a href="#optional-dependencies" id="optional-dependencies"></a>

If you wish to use ZKsync CLI to manage and run a Validium environment locally such as Validium nodes, Block Explorer, Wallet, and Bridge, you will need to install Docker. The Docker Desktop provides an easy to use application to manage Docker images and containers.

[Download and install Docker](https://www.docker.com/get-started/) which will include a desktop GUI to manage Docker containers and images.

### Install ZKsync CLI <a href="#install-zksync-cli" id="install-zksync-cli"></a>

To install the ZKsync CLI, open up a terminal window and run the following command:

```bash
npm install -g zksync-cli
```

#### Update ZKsync CLI <a href="#update-zksync-cli" id="update-zksync-cli"></a>

To update your installed package of ZKsync CLI, run the following command:

```bash
npm update -g zksync-cli
```

### Available Commands <a href="#available-commands" id="available-commands"></a>

To learn more about the available commands in ZKsync CLI, see the [CLI reference](https://docs.zksync.io/build/zksync-cli/reference).

### Further Assistance <a href="#further-assistance" id="further-assistance"></a>

Need help? Join our [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/ZKsync-Community-Hub/zksync-developers/discussions/) to ask questions, share your experiences, and connect with the Validium community.

### Source Code <a href="#source-code" id="source-code"></a>

The [ZKsync CLI project](https://github.com/matter-labs/zksync-cli) is open-source and available on GitHub under the MIT License. Feel free to contribute, report issues, or suggest new features to help us improve the tool for everyone.