# Installation

> Source: https://docs.synthesized.io/tdk/latest/user_guide/050_deployment_operations/installation_methods/cli_installation
> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synthesized.io/llms.txt).

## Software prerequisites

### Java

In order to run the platform you need to install Java 17+ first.

> **NOTE**
> Various Java 17+ builds from a number of vendors are available, some free options include [Eclipse Temurin](https://adoptium.net/temurin/releases/?version=17) and [Liberica JDK](https://bell-sw.com/pages/downloads/#/java-17-lts), but you can use any Java 17+ build available in your organization.

Check the version of Java on your machine with the following command:

```shell
java --version
```

If Java is installed correctly, this command should run successfully, and the major Java version shown in the output should be 17 or higher.

## Download

To download the TDK CLI please visit [this](https://docs.synthesized.io/tdk/latest/user_guide/050_deployment_operations/installation_methods/cli) page.

## Set your license key

> **NOTE**
> A license key is needed to unlock all features. You can run the software without a license key in a "free" mode.

Please [contact us](https://www.synthesized.io/contact-us) for more information about obtaining the full version.

### Environment Variable

Before running the software, save the license key to an environment variable called `SYNTHESIZED_KEY`:

```shell
export SYNTHESIZED_KEY="{your license key}"
```

### Hidden Folder

Create a text file in `~/.synthesized/key` that contains only the provided license key.

```shell
mkdir ~/.synthesized
echo {your license key} > ~/.synthesized/key
```

## Check your installation

```shell
tdk --version
```