Really necessary to install on local machine first?

Hi,
My Web host (BlueHost) has installed Zen Cart in my website directory.
The book I bought about Zen cart says I should install the software on my local machine first for testing.

Installing on my local machine first seems like it might be a lot of extra and unnecessary work. And since I don't really have any traffic or orders coming in yet, can't I just go ahead and set everything up live?

thanks

no its not required,

it is a step that alot of people take to avoid working on their live site but if you have no traffic and its a new store then you should be fine

As Merlin said, it's not necessary to have Zen Cart running locally, but I find it very helpful to have a copy of my Zen Carts on my local drive for editing and backup purposes.