Create free Atlassian cloud developer instances for your target products.
Set up your local development environment and IDE (for example, VS Code, IntelliJ) with Node.js and TypeScript support.
Configure local development environment

Why this matters

You need both Atlassian cloud sites to install your app on, and a reliable local setup so you're not blocked later by basic tooling issues.

Resources

2. Install and configure the Forge CLI

What to do

Install the Forge CLI (@forge/cli).
Authenticate Forge CLI with your Atlassian account
Connect CLI to your development site
Verify CLI setup and permissions

Why this matters

The Forge CLI is how you create, deploy, and manage Forge apps; you'll use it in almost every later phase.

Resources

3. Set up source control and basic CI/CD

What to do

Initialize Git repository (Bitbucket/GitHub)
Set up basic CI/CD pipeline
Configure version control workflows
Consider using Atlassian Rovo MCP Server for development

Why this matters

Even for a first app, version control and a basic pipeline make it easier to collaborate, roll back safely, and grow beyond a local prototype.

Resources

Use Atlassian Rovo MCP Server

4. Learn core Forge fundamentals

What to do

Complete Forge tutorials and guides
Consider Forge certification training
Explore building integrations and automations
Review app editions for Forge apps

Why this matters

A small amount of structured learning now reduces confusion later when you start designing architecture, picking modules, and configuring scopes for your real app.

Resources

5. Explore advanced platform capabilities (if needed)

What to do

Review Teamwork Graph for cross-product data access
Explore Rovo agent capabilities if building AI features
Review Rovo Studio and Rovo Dev resources

Why this matters

Knowing these exist early prevents you from building workarounds for problems the platform already solves, like cross-product data access or AI-powered experiences.

Resources