# Prerequisites

Before you can start creating your own workflow server using Elsa, there are a few prerequisites to consider.

### .NET <a href="#dotnet" id="dotnet"></a>

* .NET SDK (Version 8 or higher)
* A code editor (e.g., Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, Rider)
* Basic knowledge of C# and ASP.NET Core and optionally Blazor for extending Elsa Studio

### Docker <a href="#docker" id="docker"></a>

In order to be able to run the various prebuilt Docker images hosting Elsa Server, Elsa Studio and Elsa Server + Studio, you will need to have [Docker for Desktop](https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/) (or a similar tool) installed.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.elsaworkflows.io/getting-started/prerequisites.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.