> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pastures.farm/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Requirements

> System and software requirements for developing and running Pastures.

## Development requirements

| Requirement       | Version            | Notes                                    |
| ----------------- | ------------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
| Node.js           | >= 22              | Required for building the extension      |
| Yarn              | 1.x (Classic)      | Package manager used by `@rancher/shell` |
| Rancher Manager   | >= 2.10.0          | Target platform for the extension        |
| UI Extensions API | >= 3.0.0, \< 4.0.0 | Provided by Rancher 2.10+                |

## Browser support

| Browser           | Minimum version         |
| ----------------- | ----------------------- |
| Chrome / Chromium | Latest 2 major versions |
| Firefox           | Latest 2 major versions |
| Edge              | Latest 2 major versions |

Safari is not officially tested but generally works.

## Pastures Engine (optional)

The Pastures Engine backend is **optional**. Without it, you can still explore every feature using [demo mode](/configuration/demo-mode).

When connecting to a live Engine:

* The Engine must be network-reachable from the browser (not from the Rancher server)
* HTTPS is recommended for production deployments
* An API key is required for Rancher Oracle; BYO model endpoints use their own authentication

<Info>
  If you just want to evaluate Pastures, enable demo mode in Settings — no Engine or API key required.
</Info>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Developer Load" icon="code" href="/installation/developer-load">
    Load the extension into Rancher
  </Card>

  <Card title="Helm Chart" icon="dharmachakra" href="/installation/helm-chart">
    Production installation (coming soon)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>