# Getting started

This guide describes how to use midas to run some simple simulations.

## Prerequisites

It is assumed that you have already followed the instructions of the Installation guide.

## First start

To work properly, midas needs to perform some setup. First, a runtime configuration file is required. This file stores information that are necessary for midas, e.g., where the datasets are located on your machine. The command line tool midasctl is able to create such a configuration file for you:

    midasctl configure --autocfg

For most of the users, the default values should suffice. If you want to have more control over the process, just leave out the –autocfg parameter and you will be asked where to store the configuration file and the datasets.

The next step is to download the required datasets. midasctl has a command for that, as well:

    midasctl download

This will download all required datasets to the download location specified in the runtime configuration file.

### Troubleshooting

Even if the installation was successful, Windows users may get errors during the download command. The most common error is that pytables could not be imported although it is installed. Installing Visual Studio solved the issues for some users (see Installation, a reinstallation of the virtualenv might also be required).

## Running a simple scenario

midas has a few preconfigured scenarios that run out-of-the-box. To test your installation, type

    midasctl run demo

This will start the scenario midasmv, which consists of a CIGRE medium voltage grid and household data attached to it.

Congratulations! You have successfully run a co-simulation with midas. Now see Configuration for a more in-depth look at the scenario file and how to manipulate it.