Install Tools

Install these once on your computer. Choose the official instructions for your operating system and the interface you want to use.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Go to nodejs.org and use the LTS installer for your operating system. Keep the default options. npm comes with it.

Open a new terminal after installation: Terminal on macOS, PowerShell on Windows, or your editor's terminal. Run each command:

node --version
npm --version

Both should print a version number. If a command is not found, close and reopen the terminal. The repository's package.json is the source of truth for supported Node versions.

Step 2: Install Git and sign in to GitHub

Install Git from git-scm.com/downloads for your operating system, then verify:

git --version

Create or sign in to your GitHub account. Use the account that has access to your Ghoststack purchase.

Optional: Install GitHub CLI if you want your agent to clone and manage repositories for you. Then run:

gh auth login

Choose GitHub.com and follow the browser sign-in. You can instead download the starter as a ZIP in the next guide.

Step 3: Install one AI coding tool

Use one guide below to install your tool and sign in. Before following its “open project” or first-change steps, download the starter, then return with that folder ready.

• Codex: Follow the Codex guide for desktop, IDE extension, or CLI.
• Claude Code: Follow the Claude Code guide for the desktop Code tab, editor extension, or CLI.
• Cursor: Follow the Cursor guide for its Agents Window, editor, or terminal agent.

Desktop apps and editor extensions do not necessarily install the matching terminal command. You only need that separate command if you choose the CLI path. The per-tool guide explains where to add plugins and MCP connections for the interface you are using.

Keep the tool's default permission settings while getting started. Review changes and read what a command will do before approving it. You can ask the agent to explain an unfamiliar request.

Choose the tool's current recommended model. No Ghoststack-specific model setting or plugin is required.

Check that you are ready

• node --version, npm --version, and git --version work in a new terminal.
• Your AI tool opens and you can sign in.
• You can sign in to GitHub with the account that has repository access.

If installation fails, copy the exact error (with private values removed) into your agent and tell it whether you use macOS, Windows, or Linux. Do not disable security settings or change execution policies without understanding why.

Next: Set up your workspace.