Getting started
Go from an empty Zola site to useful documentation without learning every DevLab option first.
You do not need to configure the complete theme before writing your first page. Start with Home and Docs, confirm that the site works, then add Blog, Downloads or project-specific polish when you actually need them.
The shortest path
- Install one tagged release. Choose a Git submodule, tagged clone or vendored copy in Install and update.
- Build the smallest useful site. Quick start gives you a working Home page, Docs section and first article.
- Add only the features your project needs. Use Configuration recipes for search, Blog, Downloads, branding and interface switches.
- Keep the theme replaceable. Put your content, configuration and overrides in the site repository rather than editing the installed theme.
Before you begin
You need:
- Zola
0.23.4, the current supported release; - Git when you install with a clone or submodule;
- a text editor and a terminal.
That is the complete toolchain. DevLab does not require Node.js, npm or a frontend build system.
Already have a Zola site?
Keep your existing content. Install the theme, add theme = "devlab-theme" and compile_sass = true, then copy only the relevant tables from the recipes. You do not need to recreate the project.
Where to go next
| I want to... | Open... |
|---|---|
| understand the content tree and page order | Docs navigation |
| change colors, templates or project identity safely | Customization |
| use callouts, tabs, diagrams or file trees | Tera components |
| inspect every supported setting and default | Configuration reference |
| diagnose a missing page or interface control | Troubleshooting |