[task] Verify first-time contributor setup from a clean clone

[phongndo]

Area

Docs

Goal

Verify that a first-time contributor can clone the repo, install dependencies, and run the documented checks from scratch.

Why this matters

This is the first safety check for the public repo. If a new UC Davis contributor cannot get the project running from the docs, the project is not ready for onboarding.

Relevant files

• README.md
• docs/onboarding.md
• docs/development.md
• docs/environments.md
• docs/tooling.md

Depends on

None. This can be claimed immediately.

Current behavior

The repo has setup docs for both mise and Nix, but they need to be verified from a clean clone by someone following them like a new contributor.

Target behavior

A new contributor can follow the docs, install dependencies, and run the documented checks without needing private maintainer knowledge.

Out of scope

• Implementing product features.
• Rewriting the full documentation set.
• Changing the supported toolchain without a separate discussion.

Definition of done

• A contributor follows README.md, docs/onboarding.md, docs/development.md, and docs/environments.md from a clean clone.
• Any missing or confusing setup step is fixed in docs.
• The issue comment or PR description notes the OS, setup path, commands used, failed commands, and fixes.

Verification

• pnpm install --frozen-lockfile
• pnpm check
• pnpm desktop:build
• Include the OS, shell, setup path, and any setup problems found.

Contributor notes

This is a good first issue. If everything works, the contribution can be a short docs PR that records the verified setup path and any small clarifications.

[phongndo]

/assign

[phongndo]

Verified the first-time contributor setup from a clean clone using the Nix path.

Environment:

• OS: macOS 26.3.1 (a), arm64
• Shell: /bin/zsh
• Setup path: Nix flake (nix develop)
• Clean clone path: /tmp/nexgit-clean.K85k8G/nexgit
• Node: v22.22.2
• pnpm: 10.33.0
• rustc: 1.94.1
• cargo: 1.94.0

Commands run:

• nix develop -c pnpm install --frozen-lockfile - passed
• nix develop -c pnpm check - passed
• nix develop -c pnpm desktop:build - passed

Setup problems found: none.
Docs fixes needed: none found for the Nix path.
Not verified: mise setup path.