# Quickstart > 👏 Welcome to Qwen Code! This quickstart guide will have you using AI-powered coding assistance in just a few minutes. By the end, you'll understand how to use Qwen Code for common development tasks. ## Before you begin Make sure you have: - A **terminal** or command prompt open - A code project to work with - A [Qwen Code](https://chat.qwen.ai/auth?mode=register) account ## Step 1: Install Qwen Code To install Qwen Code, use one of the following methods: ### NPM(recommended) Requires [Node.js 20+](https://nodejs.org/download), you can use `node -v` check the version. If it's not installed, use the following command to install it. ```bash curl -qL https://www.npmjs.com/install.sh | sh ``` If you have [Node.js or newer installed](https://nodejs.org/en/download/): ```sh npm install -g @qwen-code/qwen-code@latest ``` ### Homebrew (macOS, Linux) ```sh brew install qwen-code ``` ### GitHub ```sh # clone GitHub project git clone https://github.com/QwenLM/qwen-code.git # go to qwen-code folder cd qwen-code # install npm npm install # install qwen-code npm install -g @qwen-code/qwen-code@latest ``` ## Step 2: Log in to your account Qwen Code requires an account to use. When you start an interactive session with the `qwen` command, you'll need to log in: ```bash # You'll be prompted to log in on first use qwen ``` ```bash # Follow the prompts to log in with your account /auth ``` Select `Qwen OAuth`, log in to your account and follow the prompts to confirm. Once logged in, your credentials are stored and you won't need to log in again. > [!note] > > When you first authenticate Qwen Code with your Qwen account, a workspace called "qwen-code" is automatically created for you. This workspace provides centralized cost tracking and management for all Qwen Code usage in your organization. > [!tip] > > If you need to log in again or switch accounts, use the `/auth` command within Qwen Code. ## Step 3: Start your first session Open your terminal in any project directory and start Qwen Code: ```bash # optiona cd /path/to/your/project # start qwen qwen ``` You'll see the Qwen Code welcome screen with your session information, recent conversations, and latest updates. Type `/help` for available commands or `/resume` to continue a previous conversation. ![](https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i3/O1CN01PwceZB1esA42wuQQH_!!6000000003926-2-tps-2104-1592.png) > [!caution] > > After logging in (Step 2), your credentials are stored on your system. If you need OpenAI API authentication, you can refer to [Authentication](/authentication). ## Chat with Qwen Code ### Ask your first question Let's start with understanding your codebase. Try one of these commands: ``` what does this project do? ``` Qwen Code will analyze your files and provide a summary. You can also ask more specific questions: ``` what technologies does this project use? ``` ``` where is the main entry point? ``` ``` explain the folder structure ``` You can also ask Qwen Code about its own capabilities: ``` what can Qwen Code do? ``` ``` how do I use slash commands in Qwen Code? ``` ``` can Qwen Code work with Docker? ``` > [!note] > Qwen Code reads your files as needed - you don't have to manually add context. Qwen Code also has access to its own documentation and can answer questions about its features and capabilities. ### Make your first code change Now let's make Qwen Code do some actual coding. Try a simple task: ``` add a hello world function to the main file ``` Qwen Code will: 1. Find the appropriate file 2. Show you the proposed changes 3. Ask for your approval 4. Make the edit > [!note] > Qwen Code always asks for permission before modifying files. You can approve individual changes or enable "Accept all" mode for a session. ### Use Git with Qwen Code Qwen Code makes Git operations conversational: ``` what files have I changed? ``` ``` commit my changes with a descriptive message ``` You can also prompt for more complex Git operations: ``` create a new branch called feature/quickstart ``` ``` show me the last 5 commits ``` ``` help me resolve merge conflicts ``` ### Fix a bug or add a feature Qwen Code is proficient at debugging and feature implementation. Describe what you want in natural language: ``` add input validation to the user registration form ``` Or fix existing issues: ``` there's a bug where users can submit empty forms - fix it ``` Qwen Code will: * Locate the relevant code * Understand the context * Implement a solution * Run tests if available ### Test out other common workflows There are a number of ways to work with Claude: **Refactor code** ``` refactor the authentication module to use async/await instead of callbacks ``` **Write tests** ``` write unit tests for the calculator functions ``` **Update documentation** ``` update the README with installation instructions ``` **Code review** ``` review my changes and suggest improvements ``` > [!tip] > **Remember**: Qwen Code is your AI pair programmer. Talk to it like you would a helpful colleague - describe what you want to achieve, and it will help you get there. ## Essential commands Here are the most important commands for daily use: | Command | What it does | Example | | ------------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | `qwen` | Start interactive mode | `qwen` | | `qwen-code "task"` | Run a one-time task | `qwen-code "fix the build error"` | | `qwen-code -p "query"` | Run one-off query, then exit | `qwen-code -p "explain this function"` | | `qwen-code -c` | Continue most recent conversation | `qwen-code -c` | | `qwen-code -r` | Resume a previous conversation | `qwen-code -r` | | `qwen-code commit` | Create a Git commit | `qwen-code commit` | | `/clear` | Clear conversation history | `/clear` | | `/help` | Show available commands | `/help` | | `quit` or Ctrl+C | Exit Qwen Code | `/quit` | See the [CLI reference](/cli-reference) for a complete list of commands. ## Pro tips for beginners - Be specific with your requests - Instead of: "fix the bug" - Try: "fix the login bug where users see a blank screen after entering wrong credentials" - Use step-by-step instructions - Break complex tasks into steps: ``` 1. create a new database table for user profiles 2. create an API endpoint to get and update user profiles 3. build a webpage that allows users to see and edit their information ``` - Let Claude explore first - Before making changes, let Claude understand your code: ``` analyze the database schema ``` ``` build a dashboard showing products that are most frequently returned by our UK customers ``` - Save time with shortcuts - Press `?` to see all available keyboard shortcuts - Use Tab for command completion - Press ↑ for command history - Type `/` to see all slash commands ## What's next? Now that you've learned the basics, explore more advanced features: Step-by-step guides for common tasks Master all commands and options Customize Qwen Code for your workflow Run tasks asynchronously in the cloud ## Getting help - **In Qwen Code**: Type `/help` or ask "how do I..." - **Documentation**: You're here! Browse other guides - **Community**: Join our [GitHub Discussion](https://github.com/QwenLM/qwen-code/discussions) for tips and support