# Installation & Setup

## Setting Up Your Local Server

Begin your journey with Shimoku by setting up a local server. This process allows you to explore Shimoku's capabilities without needing to log in or create an account.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/3B5JI_CVoGk>" %}

## Install the Library&#x20;

In order to use Shimoku’s API, first install our SDK library

**Get it from** [**our Github page**](https://github.com/shimoku-tech/shimoku-api-python) **and install it in your** `Python +3.9`&#x20;

```bash
pip install shimoku
```

## **Initialize the Server for the Playground**

Next, open the terminal in your environment and type the following command:

```bash
> shimoku playground init
```

<figure><img src="https://3782181538-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUlHTfmIZY46Z1EDfyGMz%2Fuploads%2F3a2wED5DrnUeWO5ZEhrf%2FPlayground.png?alt=media&#x26;token=865c265d-c754-4a0a-a141-fca0d06197f4" alt=""><figcaption><p>Playground initialized</p></figcaption></figure>

Once the terminal shows the server logs, proceed to the next step

In case the default port (`8000`) is already in use, it is necessary to change it in the command prompt. For instance, the port `8080` could be used:

```bash
> shimoku playground init --local-port 8080
```

{% hint style="warning" %}
It is not recommended to have more than one local server running, as the front-end application can only access one at a time (even in different tabs).
{% endhint %}

## **Initialize the Shimoku SDK**

Following up, create a python script and start by importing the client from the shimoku library and initializing it. This step sets up a local server environment for your development and automatically opens your default browser.

```python
from shimoku import Client

s = Client()
```

We recommend the following parameters for a better development experience:

```python
s = Client(
    async_execution=True,  # Grouped plotting
    verbosity='INFO',      # Insight in the execution
)
```

If you have used a port for the server that is not 8000 you will have to set it in the initialization of the client:

```python
s = Client(
    local_port=8080,
    async_execution=True,
    verbosity='INFO'
)
```

## **Key Features and Advantages**

The Shimoku Playground is an integral feature of the Shimoku platform, designed to facilitate local development.&#x20;

* **Local Server Utilization:** Instead of connecting to the cloud-based Shimoku API, the Playground operates via a local server. This setup is initialized through the SDK, offering a more immediate and responsive development environment.
* **Consistent API Compatibility:** Code developed within the Playground is fully compatible with the Shimoku API. This ensures a smooth transition from local to cloud-based environments, allowing developers to switch between local and cloud deployments without needing to modify their code.
* **No Token Consumption:** The Playground runs on the developer's local machine, bypassing the need for token usage associated with cloud-based operations on the Shimoku platform. This is particularly beneficial for extensive testing and development, as it reduces the overhead costs typically incurred during the development process.