# 1. Getting Started

## Installing STencil
- **Windows installer:** run `STencilSetup.exe` (adds `stencil` to PATH, associates `.st` files)
- After installing, a new terminal has the `stencil` command.

## Running code
```
stencil program.st          # run a file
stencil                     # start the REPL (interactive shell; type exit to quit)
stencil -c "print(1 + 2)"   # run a one-liner
```

## Hello, world
Create `hello.st`:
```stencil
print("Hello, STencil!");
```
Run it:
```
stencil hello.st
```
Output:
```
Hello, STencil!
```

## print
`print` takes any number of values, separated by commas, and writes them with spaces between, then a newline:
```stencil
print("Sum:", 2 + 3, "and done");   // Sum: 5 and done
```

## Comments
```stencil
// single-line comment
/* multi-line
   comment */
print("comments are ignored");
```

## Semicolons
Semicolons are optional but recommended for clarity:
```stencil
let a = 1
let b = 2;
print(a + b)   // 3
```

Next: [Variables & Types](02_variables_and_types.md)