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

# Orchard: automated macOS workstation provisioning

> Learn what Orchard is, what problem it solves, and what gets configured — apps, system preferences, and developer tools — all in a single run.

Orchard is a macOS workstation provisioning tool that automates the process of setting up a new developer machine. Instead of manually installing apps, adjusting system preferences, and configuring tools one by one, you clone the repository and run a single script. Orchard handles the rest — reproducibly, every time.

## What Orchard does

When you run Orchard, it works through a sequence of modular steps, each responsible for a specific part of your machine setup. By the end, your workstation is fully configured with no manual intervention required beyond the occasional password prompt.

### Applications installed

Orchard installs software through three channels:

* **Homebrew** — the package manager itself, with analytics disabled
* **Homebrew Casks** — GUI applications installed silently:
  * 1Password
  * Docker
  * Google Cloud CLI
  * Google Chrome
  * Microsoft Teams
  * Visual Studio Code
  * Zoom
* **Homebrew packages** — command-line tools:
  * `devcontainer` — for working with Dev Containers
  * `mas` — the Mac App Store command-line interface
* **Claude Code** — Anthropic's AI coding tool, installed via its official installer

### System preferences configured

Orchard applies a set of opinionated macOS defaults tuned for developer productivity:

| Area         | What changes                                                              |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Dock**     | Auto-hide enabled, recent apps hidden, non-essential default apps removed |
| **Finder**   | New windows open to your home folder                                      |
| **Keyboard** | Key repeat rate and initial repeat delay set for faster input             |
| **Mouse**    | Tracking speed increased                                                  |
| **Trackpad** | Tracking speed increased, tap-to-click enabled                            |
| **Security** | Screensaver password required immediately on wake                         |

### Verification

After provisioning, Orchard runs `test.sh` automatically to confirm that the setup completed as expected.

## Who Orchard is for

Orchard is designed for developers who want a reliable, repeatable way to set up a macOS workstation. It's particularly useful when provisioning a new machine, rebuilding an existing one, or maintaining a consistent environment across multiple machines.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Get started" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Clone the repo and run a single command to provision your machine.
  </Card>

  <Card title="What gets installed" icon="box-open" href="/installed/applications">
    See the full list of apps and tools Orchard installs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Add your own packages" icon="sliders" href="/customization/adding-packages">
    Extend Orchard with additional Homebrew packages or casks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Command reference" icon="terminal" href="/reference/commands">
    Reference documentation for provision.sh, scaffold.sh, and test.sh.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>