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# Manual Installation

Fractum can be installed manually using Python virtual environments. This approach provides flexibility for developers and users who need more control over the installation process.

## Installation Steps

### 1. Clone the Repository

Bash

    git clone https://github.com/katvio/fractum.git
    cd fractum
    git checkout tags/v1.3.0

### 2. Bootstrap Your Environment

Choose the bootstrap script for your operating system:

Linux macOS Windows (PowerShell)
Bash

    chmod +x bootstrap-linux.sh && ./bootstrap-linux.sh

This script will: - Install required system tools (git, curl, wget, etc.) - Add deadsnakes PPA repository - Install Python 3.12.10 - Create a virtual environment - Install fractum in development mode

Bash

    chmod +x bootstrap-macos.sh && ./bootstrap-macos.sh

This script will: - Install Xcode Command Line Tools - Install Homebrew (if not present) - Install pyenv - Install Python 3.12.10 - Create a virtual environment - Install fractum in development mode

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Set the execution policy for the current process:
   PowerShell

       Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass

   then say yes to everything (T)
3. Run:
   PowerShell

       .\bootstrap-windows.ps1

This script will:

- Install Python 3.12.10 (using winget or Chocolatey)
- Create a virtual environment
- Install fractum CLI on your machine

### 3. Activate the Virtual Environment

Linux & macOS Windows (PowerShell)
Bash

    source .venv/bin/activate

PowerShell

    .\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

### 4. Verify Your Installation

Bash

    python --version          # Should report Python 3.12.10
    pip list                  # Should list fractum (editable mode)
    fractum --help            # Show CLI usage

## Using Fractum After Installation

Once installed, you can use Fractum directly from the command line. For detailed usage instructions and examples:

- Encrypting Files: See our comprehensive Encrypting Files guide
- Decrypting Files: See our comprehensive Decrypting Files guide

These guides cover both interactive and command-line modes, with examples for various scenarios and security considerations.

## Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during installation:

1. Ensure you have the correct Python version installed (3.12.10)
2. Check that you have permissions to create files in the current directory
3. On Linux/macOS, verify that the bootstrap script has execute permissions
4. On Windows, ensure PowerShell execution policy allows script execution

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