> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cubent.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation & Setup

> Get started with Cubent in just a few minutes

## Prerequisites

Before installing Cubent, make sure you have:

* **Visual Studio Code** (version 1.70.0 or higher)
* An **AI provider account** (OpenAI, Anthropic, or custom API)
* **Internet connection** for AI model access

## Step 1: Install the Extension

### From VS Code Marketplace

1. Open Visual Studio Code
2. Go to the Extensions view (`Ctrl+Shift+X` or `Cmd+Shift+X`)
3. Search for "Cubent"
4. Click **Install** on the official Cubent extension

### From Command Line

```bash theme={null}
code --install-extension cubent.cubent
```

### Manual Installation

1. Download the `.vsix` file from [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/LaxBloxBoy2/Cubent/releases)
2. In VS Code, go to Extensions view
3. Click the "..." menu and select "Install from VSIX..."
4. Select the downloaded `.vsix` file

## Step 2: Connect Your AI Provider

After installation, you'll need to configure your AI provider:

### OpenAI Setup

1. Get your API key from [OpenAI Platform](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys)
2. Open Cubent settings in VS Code
3. Enter your OpenAI API key
4. Select your preferred model (GPT-4 recommended)

### Anthropic (Claude) Setup

1. Get your API key from [Anthropic Console](https://console.anthropic.com/)
2. In Cubent Coder settings, select "Anthropic" as provider
3. Enter your Anthropic API key
4. Choose your Claude model

### Custom API Setup

For local models or custom APIs:

1. Select "Custom" as your provider
2. Enter your API endpoint URL
3. Configure authentication if required
4. Test the connection

## Step 3: First Configuration

### Basic Settings

Configure these essential settings for optimal experience:

* **Auto-approval**: Set approval preferences for different actions
* **Context window**: Adjust based on your model's capabilities
* **Custom instructions**: Add project-specific guidelines

### Workspace Setup

1. Open your project in VS Code
2. Cubent will automatically index your codebase
3. Wait for the initial indexing to complete
4. You're ready to start coding with AI!

## Verification

To verify your installation:

1. Open the Cubent panel (sidebar icon)
2. Try a simple command: "Hello, can you help me?"
3. You should receive a response from your AI provider

<Note>
  If you encounter any issues during installation, join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/cubent) for help or check our GitHub repository for solutions.
</Note>

## Next Steps

Now that you have Cubent installed:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Take Your First Steps" icon="play" href="/first-steps">
    Learn the basics with a guided tutorial
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore Chat Mode" icon="comments" href="/features/chat-mode">
    Start with simple questions and code generation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Try Agent Mode" icon="robot" href="/features/agent-mode">
    Let Cubent Coder work autonomously on tasks
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create Custom Modes" icon="gear" href="/features/custom-modes">
    Customize AI behavior for specific workflows
  </Card>
</CardGroup>