> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://forest-chore-open-api.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Get your Forest back-end running locally in 15 minutes.

You'll have a working Forest back-end connected to your database, with the Forest UI open and ready to configure, in about 15 minutes.

## Prerequisites

* Node.js 18+ installed
* Your database URI ready (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, SQL Server, etc.)
* A Forest account ([sign up](https://app.forestadmin.com/signup) if needed)

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a new project">
    Go to [app.forestadmin.com](https://app.forestadmin.com), create a new project, and choose **Self-Hosted**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow the onboarding">
    The onboarding flow asks for your database URI and generates your back-end project. Before starting it, you'll set its environment variables in a `.env` file:

    * `FOREST_ENV_SECRET`: identifies your Forest environment
    * `FOREST_AUTH_SECRET`: signs your users' authentication tokens
    * `DATABASE_URL`: your database connection URI

    <Warning>
      Never commit your `.env` file to version control. Add it to `.gitignore`.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start your back-end">
    In the generated project directory, run:

    ```bash theme={null}
    npm start
    ```

    You should see:

    ```
    [Forest] 🌳  Your agent is running at http://localhost:3310
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Forest">
    Forest automatically opens in your browser. Your database schema has been detected, collections, relationships, and CRUD operations are ready out of the box.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What you have now

A connected Forest back-end with every table from your database surfaced as a collection. Operators can browse, search, edit, and delete records out of the box.

From here, the guide walks you through it step by step, starting by shaping these collections into a back-office your team can actually use.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Back-end not starting">
    * Check that your `.env` file is present and loaded
    * Ensure port 3310 is not already in use
    * Run `curl http://localhost:3310/forest`, should return Forest metadata
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No tables showing up">
    * Verify your `DATABASE_URL` is correct and the database is reachable from your machine
    * Check that the database user has read permissions on the relevant tables
    * For SQL databases, the back-end needs access to `information_schema` for introspection
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Need a hand?

<Card title="Get help from our team" icon="envelope" href="mailto:support@forestadmin.com">
  Stuck on setup? Reach out, we'll help you get your Forest back-end running.
</Card>

<Card title="Next: Customize your interface" icon="arrow-right" href="/get-started/customize-your-back-office">
  Organize your collections, fields, and create your first segment.
</Card>