First swing.

README.md

@@ -2,10 +2,66 @@
 
 The Wild Cloud Web App is a web-based interface for managing Wild Cloud instances. It allows users to view and control their Wild Cloud environments, including deploying applications, monitoring resources, and configuring settings.
 
+## Prerequisites
+
+Before starting the web app, ensure the Wild Central API is running:
+
+```bash
+cd ../wild-central-api
+make dev
+```
+
+The API should be accessible at `http://localhost:5055`.
+
 ## Development
 
+### Initial Setup
+
+1. Copy the example environment file:
+```bash
+cp .env.example .env
+```
+
+2. Update `.env` if your API is running on a different host/port:
+```bash
+VITE_API_BASE_URL=http://localhost:5055
+```
+
+3. Install dependencies:
+```bash
+pnpm install
+```
+
+4. Start the development server:
 ```bash
 pnpm run dev
 ```
 
-Test: `pnpm run check`
+The web app will be available at `http://localhost:5173` (or the next available port).
+
+## Other Scripts
+
+```bash
+pnpm run build # Build the project
+pnpm run lint # Lint the codebase
+pnpm run preview # Preview the production build
+pnpm run type-check # Type check the codebase
+pnpm run test # Run tests
+pnpm run test:ui # Run tests with UI
+pnpm run test:coverage # Run tests with coverage report
+pnpm run build:css # Build the CSS using Tailwind
+pnpm run check # Run lint, type-check, and tests
+```
+
+## Environment Variables
+
+### `VITE_API_BASE_URL`
+
+The base URL of the Wild Central API server.
+
+- **Default:** `http://localhost:5055`
+- **Example:** `http://192.168.1.100:5055`
+- **Usage:** Set in `.env` file (see `.env.example` for template)
+
+This variable is used by the API client to connect to the Wild Central API. If not set, it defaults to `http://localhost:5055`.
+