> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.codemate.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.codemate.ai/cora-cli/quick-start.md).

# Quick Start

Install CORA CLI, run the doctor check, and have your first conversation.

## Install the CodeMate Toolbox

There is only **one** thing to install: the **CodeMate Toolbox**. CORA comes inside it. Installing the Toolbox installs the `cora` command-line tool too, and sets it up for you there is no second download, no file to move, and nothing to configure.

The Toolbox is also the app that signs you in and connects CORA to the AI model, so it needs to be running while you work. If it is not, CORA tells you so clearly. You do not need Node, Python, or anything else on your machine.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Download the Toolbox

Go to [app.codemate.ai/download](https://app.codemate.ai/download).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Install it

Download and run the installer for your system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the CodeMate Toolbox app

Installing it is not enough it has to be running.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Sign in

**Sign in** with your CodeMate account.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Leave it running in the background. CORA talks to it every time you use it. That is the whole installation the `cora` command is now available in your terminal.

***

## Open a new terminal

**Close any terminal windows that were already open and start a fresh one.** A terminal that was open during the install has not picked up the new command yet. This is the single most common reason `cora` appears to be missing right after installing.

***

## Check that everything works

Open a terminal, go to a project folder, and run:

```bash
cora --doctor
```

You should see something like:

```
cora 0.1.10
runtime v24.3.0 on win32/x64
workspace C:\Users\you\my-project
mode code
context none — /init writes AGENTS.md
toolbox available (v3.5.80)
Toolbox ready.
```

**The line that matters is `toolbox`.** If it says anything other than `available`, CORA tells you exactly what to do:

| It says                | What to do                                 |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| `not_installed`        | Install the Toolbox from the download page |
| `not_running`          | Open the CodeMate Toolbox app              |
| `not_authenticated`    | Open the Toolbox and sign in               |
| `incompatible_version` | Update the Toolbox to a newer version      |

{% hint style="info" %}
**Run `cora --doctor` first whenever anything looks wrong.** It explains most startup problems on its own see [Troubleshooting](/cora-cli/troubleshooting-and-faqs.md) for the rest.
{% endhint %}

***

## Your first conversation

Go to the folder you want to work in and type:

```bash
cora
```

The interface opens. Type a question and press **Enter**:

```
What does this project do?
```

CORA reads a few files, thinks, and answers; you watch it work as it goes.

**To quit:** press **Ctrl+C** twice. The first press stops whatever is running; the second closes CORA.

### A good first ten minutes

Try these in order. None of them changes a file.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
`What does this project do?`
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
`Where is the code that handles logins?`
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
`explain @src/app.js` the `@` attaches a real file; press **Tab** to complete the path.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
`/help` the list of everything you can type with a `/`.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
`/status` where you are, what mode you are in, and whether the connection is healthy.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Next steps

Once you're comfortable with the basics, read [Modes](/cora-cli/modes.md) to understand what CORA is allowed to do in each mode, and [Writing effective prompts](/cora-cli/writing-effective-prompts.md) to get better results from your first message.