---
title: "Getting Started with Autohand Code"
source: https://docs.autohand.ai/guides/getting-started
---

# Getting Started with Autohand Code

Complete guide to installing and using Autohand Code. Learn how to set up your first AI-assisted coding workflow in minutes.

**Quick Start:** Install Autohand Code in under 5 minutes and start coding with AI assistance. [Jump to installation](#installation) or try our [interactive first session](/docs/getting-started/first-session.html).

## What is Autohand Code?

Autohand Code is an AI-powered coding assistant that helps developers write better code faster. It combines advanced AI models with deep understanding of your codebase to provide intelligent suggestions, complete code, and help you solve complex problems.

### Key features

-   **Intelligent code completion** - Context-aware suggestions that understand your project
-   **Multi-language support** - Works with 50+ programming languages and frameworks
-   **IDE integration** - Seamless integration with VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and more
-   **CLI tools** - Powerful command-line interface for automation and scripting
-   **Team collaboration** - Share knowledge and patterns across your development team

## Installation

Choose the installation method that works best for your workflow:

### Option 1: Install with npm (Recommended)

### Option 2: Install with curl

### Option 3: Download directly

Visit [autohand.ai/downloads](https://autohand.ai/downloads) to download the latest version for your platform:

-   Windows (x64)
-   macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)
-   Linux (x64, ARM64)

### System requirements

-   Node.js 16+ (for npm installation)
-   4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)
-   2GB disk space
-   Internet connection for AI model access

## First Configuration

After installation, run the initial setup to configure Autohand Code:

### Authentication

To use Autohand Code's AI features, you'll need to authenticate:

### IDE Setup

Install the Autohand Code extension for your preferred IDE:

#### VS Code

#### JetBrains IDEs

Install the Autohand Code plugin from the JetBrains Marketplace:

1.  Open File > Settings > Plugins
2.  Search for "Autohand Code"
3.  Click Install and restart your IDE

## Your First Project

Let's create your first AI-assisted project with Autohand Code:

### Step 1: Create a new project

### Step 2: Generate your first code

Open your IDE and create a new file. Type a comment or description and let Autohand Code generate the code:

Autohand Code will generate the complete implementation:

### Step 3: Test your code

## Essential Commands

Master these core Autohand Code commands to boost your productivity:

### Code Generation

### Project Management

### Code Analysis

## Best Practices for Success

### Start Small

-   Begin with simple code generation tasks
-   Use Autohand Code for repetitive boilerplate code
-   Gradually move to more complex features

### Provide Clear Context

-   Write descriptive comments and requirements
-   Include examples of expected output
-   Specify coding standards and patterns

### Review and Iterate

-   Always review generated code before committing
-   Use Autohand Code's suggestions as a starting point
-   Iterate on prompts to improve results

### Team Integration

-   Share successful prompts with your team
-   Establish coding standards for AI-generated code
-   Use Autohand Code to maintain consistency across projects

## Next Steps

Now that you're set up with Autohand Code, explore these resources to maximize your productivity:

[

### Interactive First Session

Step-by-step guided tutorial with hands-on exercises.

15 min](/docs/getting-started/first-session.html)[

### CLI Reference

Complete command-line interface documentation.

20 min](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/cli-reference.html)[

### VS Code Integration

Master the VS Code extension features.

10 min](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/code/vscode/getting-started.html)[

### Writing Effective Prompts

Learn how to communicate effectively with Autohand Code.

12 min](/docs/guides/beginners/instructing-autohand.html)

## Common Issues & Solutions

### Installation Problems

#### Issue: "command not found: autohand"

**Solution:** Make sure the Autohand Code binary is in your PATH. Add it to your shell configuration:

``` bash
# For bash/zsh
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.autohand/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
```

### Authentication Issues

#### Issue: "Authentication failed"

**Solution:** Check your API key or login credentials. Ensure you have an active subscription:

``` bash
# Check authentication status
autohand auth status

# Re-authenticate
autohand auth logout
autohand auth login
```

### Performance Issues

#### Issue: Slow code generation

**Solution:** Try these optimizations:

-   Use a more specific prompt
-   Limit the scope of generation
-   Check your internet connection
-   Consider upgrading to a higher tier for faster models