Ready to get hands-on with Apache Kafka? This section will guide you through setting up your first Kafka environment and running your first examples.

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Quick start options

The fastest way to get up and running with Kafka - no installation required. Launch Conduktor

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Option 2: install Kafka locally

Set up Kafka on your local machine for development and learning. Install on Mac

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What you’ll learn

In this section, you’ll discover:
  • How to set up a Kafka cluster quickly
  • Creating your first topics
  • Sending and receiving messages
  • Using Kafka CLI tools effectively
  • Best practices for development environments

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Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:
  • Basic command line knowledge
  • Java 8+ installed (for local installations)
  • A text editor or IDE of your choice
Ready to dive in? Choose your preferred setup method above and let’s get started!