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Creating a GitHub Account and Repository

Before Ileen can start generating code in Design Mode, it needs one or more empty GitHub repositories to push to. This guide walks you through creating a GitHub account and setting up those repositories.

Applies to: Design Mode (Developer Setup)

Step 1 — Create a GitHub account

If you already have a GitHub account, skip to Step 2.

  1. Go to github.com and click Sign up.
  2. Enter your email address, choose a password, and pick a username.
  3. Complete the verification and confirm your email.

Step 2 — Create a repository

Ileen requires one repository per service or application defined in the Tech Leader stage. Repeat these steps for each one.

  1. Click the ＋ icon in the top-right corner of GitHub and select New repository.
  2. Set the Repository name (e.g. my-app-backend).
  3. Choose Public or Private — both work with Ileen.
  4. Leave all initialisation options unticked — do not add a README, .gitignore, or licence. Ileen pushes the initial commit and project structure itself; a non-empty repository will cause the push to fail.
  5. Click Create repository.

Step 3 — Copy the repository URL

On the repository page, click the Code button and copy the HTTPS URL (e.g. https://github.com/your-username/my-app-backend.git). You’ll paste this into Ileen’s Developer Setup screen.

Step 4 — Create a Personal Access Token

Ileen needs a token to authenticate with GitHub on your behalf. Follow the Git credentials guide to create a fine-grained PAT with the correct permissions.

Putting it together in Ileen

Once you have your repository URLs and PAT, go back to Design Mode → Development → Developer Setup:

  1. Paste each repository URL.
  2. Enter your Personal Access Token.
  3. Set the base branch (defaults to main).
  4. Click Save & Start Development.

Ileen will clone each repository, push the initial commit, and begin generating code.