# Quickstart

import { Steps } from "@astrojs/starlight/components"
import Prereqs from "@docs/Prereqs.astro"

Install the CLI, pair it with your account, set up a pod and project, create an agent, and send your first message.

<Prereqs>- A Ren account - Node.js 18 or later</Prereqs>

## 1. Install the CLI

```bash
npm install -g @renai-labs/cli
```

Verify the install:

```bash
ren --version
```

For full install options (including Homebrew and manual binary), see [Install the CLI](/docs/developers/cli/).

## 2. Pair with your account

```bash
ren init
```

The CLI opens a browser to authenticate. Approve the pairing request, then return to your terminal.

Confirm you're paired:

```bash
ren whoami
```

You should see your account details printed.

## 3. Find or create a pod

A [pod](/docs/deep-dives/concepts/compute/pods/) is the compute environment where your agents run.

Check if you already have one:

```bash
ren pods list
```

If a pod appears, note its ID and skip ahead to step 4.

If the list is empty, create one:

```bash
ren pods create --name "My Pod"
```

Note the `podId` from the output. You'll need it next.

## 4. Create a project

A [project](/docs/deep-dives/concepts/compute/projects/) groups agents and their sessions inside a pod.

```bash
ren projects create --pod-id <podId> --name "Onboarding"
```

Replace `<podId>` with the ID from step 3. Note the `projectId` from the output.

## 5. Create an agent and add it to the project

An [agent](/docs/deep-dives/concepts/agents/agents/) is the AI worker that carries out tasks.

Create the agent:

```bash
ren agents create --name "My Agent" --icon "🤖"
```

Note the `agentId` from the output.

List the available models and copy an id:

```bash
ren models list
```

Create a version with a system prompt and one of those model ids:

```bash
ren agents versions create <agentId> --prompt "You are a helpful assistant." --model <model-id>
```

Add the agent to your project:

```bash
ren projects agents add <projectId> --agent-id <agentId>
```

## 6. Start a session and open it

Create a [session](/docs/deep-dives/concepts/agents/sessions/) against your pod and project:

```bash
ren sessions create --pod-id <podId> --project-id <projectId> --title "First chat"
```

Note the session `id` from the output, then get its connection URL:

```bash
ren sessions url <sessionId>
```

Open that URL in your browser to chat with your agent. That's your first session running on Ren.

To drive sessions from your own code instead, see the [TypeScript SDK](/docs/developers/typescript-client/).