+++
title = "Getting Started"
description = "Install MLF and write your first lexicon"
weight = 1
+++

## Installation

Clone and build from source:

```bash
git clone https://tangled.org/@stavola.xyz/mlf
cd mlf
cargo build --release
```

The binary will be at `target/release/mlf`.

Optionally, install to your PATH:

```bash
# Option 1: Use cargo install
cargo install --path mlf-cli

# Option 2: Manually copy the binary
cp target/release/mlf /usr/local/bin/
```

## Your First Lexicon

Create a file `thread.mlf`:

```mlf
/// A forum thread
record thread {
    /// Thread title
    title!: string constrained {
        maxLength: 200,
        minLength: 1,
    },
    /// Thread body
    body!: string constrained {
        maxLength: 10000,
    },
    /// Thread creation timestamp
    createdAt!: Datetime,
}
```

## Generate JSON Lexicon

```bash
mlf generate lexicon -i thread.mlf -o lexicons/
```

This creates `lexicons/com/example/thread.json` with the ATProto JSON lexicon.

## Validate MLF Files

```bash
mlf check thread.mlf
```

This checks your MLF file for syntax and validation errors.

## Validate Records

Given a JSON record file `record.json`:

```json
{
  "title": "Welcome to the forums!",
  "body": "This is my first thread. Looking forward to discussions!",
  "createdAt": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z"
}
```

Validate it against your lexicon:

```bash
mlf validate thread.mlf record.json
```

## Convert JSON Lexicons to MLF

Already have ATProto JSON lexicons? Convert them to MLF format:

```bash
mlf generate mlf -i my-lexicon.json -o ./
```

This is useful for:
- Migrating existing lexicons to MLF
- Learning MLF syntax by seeing JSON conversions
- Working with lexicons from other sources

## Next Steps

- Read the [Language Guide](./language-guide/) to learn the MLF language
- Check out the [CLI Reference](./cli.md) for all commands
- Try the [WASM API](./wasm.md) to use MLF in the browser