## Prerequisites

- A local project or repository you can use for your first task.
- On macOS or Linux, `curl` or `wget`, and `tar`.
- On Windows, PowerShell and `tar`.

## Step 1: Install Poolside Agent CLI

Run one of the following commands:

Install with curl

```
curl -fsSL https://downloads.poolside.ai/pool/install.sh | sh
```

Install with wget

```
wget -qO- https://downloads.poolside.ai/pool/install.sh | sh
```

In PowerShell, run:

```
irm https://downloads.poolside.ai/pool/install.ps1 | iex
```

Verify the installation:

```
pool --version
```

The command prints the installed version. For installation details, see [Install Poolside Agent CLI](https://docs.poolside.ai/cli/install).

## Step 2: Log in

Run:

```
pool login
```

Looking for the fastest way to get a free Poolside API key? Choose **Use Poolside Platform for free (recommended)**.

Choose how you want to access models with the Poolside agent:

| Option shown in the CLI | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Use Poolside Platform for free (recommended)** | Choose this option for fast, free developer access. Sign in to Poolside Platform, then copy the API key it creates for you. Recommended for most users. |
| **Use your organization’s Poolside deployment (enterprise)** | Choose this option if your organization has a Poolside deployment. |
| **Use your OpenRouter account** | Choose this option if you already use OpenRouter or need paid access to Poolside models. |
| **Connect an OpenAI-compatible provider** | Choose this option if you use another provider, your own server, or an organization gateway that serves Poolside models. |

For more information, including where to get an API key or token, see [Log in to Poolside](https://docs.poolside.ai/get-started/log-in).

## Step 3: Start a session

Go to the project directory you want to work in and start `pool`:

```
cd <project-path>
pool
```

The session stays open so you can:

- Send follow-up prompts
- Review responses
- Approve file or command actions when needed

Send your first prompt:

```
Summarize this project and suggest one small improvement.
```

You know setup worked when Poolside responds in the terminal and waits for your next prompt.

## Next steps

[**Keep working in the terminal** \\n\\
Use `pool` for longer interactive sessions.](https://docs.poolside.ai/cli/interactive-mode)

[**Use Poolside in an editor** \\n\\
Connect Poolside to an editor or editor extension.](https://docs.poolside.ai/tools#editors)

[**Automate a task** \\n\\
Use `pool exec` for one-shot prompts and scripts.](https://docs.poolside.ai/cli/automated-mode)

[**Call the API** \\n\\
Send model requests from your own tools and services.](https://docs.poolside.ai/api/overview)

[**Example prompts** \\n\\
Try prompts for common development tasks.](https://docs.poolside.ai/resources/example-prompts)

[**Configure Poolside** \\n\\
Shape agent behavior and control what it can access.](https://docs.poolside.ai/configure)