newbie and puzzled by A4988

Start with the AccelStepper examples, configure for DRIVER mode (step+direction pins).

AccelStepper stepper (AccelStepper::DRIVER, step_pin, direction_pin) ;

Follow the current setting proceedure for your motor.

You always need acceleration feature when using anything but a tiny tiny stepper, otherwise you'll
fail to reach full performance. (the motor will skip rather than accelerate instantly).