Setup Guide

Install Claude Code, Gemini CLI & Codex CLI

The complete setup for AI coding tools — built for dealership teams starting from zero. Install the dependencies first, in order, then the AI tools last. Copy-paste commands for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

15 min readUpdated: May 2026
Pick your computer — the commands below adjust to your choice:
Order matters. Install the dependencies below first — especially Node.js — then install the AI tools last. Claude Code, Gemini CLI, and Codex CLI all install through npm (which comes with Node.js), so installing an AI tool before its dependencies will throw errors.

Step 1 — Install the dependencies (in this order)

Install these top to bottom. After each one, open a new terminal and run the verify command to confirm it worked.Short on time? Node.js is non-negotiable (the AI tools won't install without it). Python and Git round out the essentials; Google Cloud CLI, VS Code, and Docker can wait until you need them.

1

Node.js (LTS)

Essential

The runtime + npm package manager. Every AI CLI below installs through npm, so this MUST come first.

Verify: node --version
Download the "LTS" build and click through the installer. npm is included.
2

Python 3.12

Essential

The language most AI tooling and MCP servers are built in. Needed for the broader AI toolchain.

Verify: python --version
IMPORTANT: check "Add python.exe to PATH" on the first installer screen, or the command won't work.
3

Git

Essential

Version control — your undo button when AI changes code. The CLIs use it to track every edit.

Verify: git --version
Accept the default installer options unless you know you want otherwise.
4

Google Cloud CLI (gcloud)

For cloud / deploy work

Deploy apps and use Google Cloud services. Needed once you push things to the cloud — skip it if you're only trying the tools locally.

Verify: gcloud --version
After install, run `gcloud init` to sign in and pick your project.
5

VS Code

Optional

The editor that plays nicely with every AI tool, with a built-in terminal you'll launch the CLIs from.

Verify: code --version
On install, check "Add to PATH" so the "code" command works in your terminal.
6

Docker Desktop

Optional

"It works on my machine" — for everyone. Optional; only needed once you run containerized tools.

Verify: docker --version
Safe to skip for now. Come back to this when a project actually asks for it.

Check everything at once

Once the dependencies are in, open a new terminal and run this one line. Every item should print a version number. Anything that says "not recognized" / "command not found" still needs installing — or just a fresh terminal window.

node --version; python --version; git --version; gcloud --version

Step 2 — Install the AI tools (last)

Now that Node.js is in place, each AI CLI is a single npm command. Install whichever you want — they happily coexist. After installing, open a terminal in your project folder and type the launch command.

Claude Code

Anthropic
Install:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
Launch (from any project folder):
claude
Needs a paid Claude plan (Pro/Max/Team) or Anthropic API credits. First run opens your browser to sign in.

Gemini CLI

Google
Install:
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Launch (from any project folder):
gemini
Free tier with a Google account; paid + API key options available. First run prompts you to sign in.

Codex CLI

OpenAI
Install:
npm install -g @openai/codex
Launch (from any project folder):
codex
Needs a paid ChatGPT plan (Plus/Pro) or an OpenAI API key. First run prompts you to sign in.

Don't use sudo with these npm commands — it causes permission headaches. If you hit a permissions error on Mac/Linux, see Troubleshooting below.

Your first session (60 seconds)

You're set up — here's the fastest way to a first win. (Examples use claude; swap in gemini or codex if you prefer.)

  1. 1

    Open a terminal in a folder — or make a fresh one:

    mkdir my-first-project; cd my-first-project
  2. 2

    Start the assistant:

    claude
  3. 3

    Sign in when your browser opens, then come back to the terminal.

  4. 4

    Ask it something in plain English. Try typing:

    "Make a simple web page that says 'Welcome to [your dealership]' with our phone number."

You stay in control. The assistant shows you each change and asks before editing or running anything — nothing happens without your OK.

Launch from anywhere (Windows)

After install, the claude, gemini, and codex commands already work in any folder. To make them faster, add short cc / gg / cx shortcuts to your shell profile.

First, a one-time step: Windows blocks scripts by default, so the shortcuts won't load until you allow them. Run this once in PowerShell:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser RemoteSigned

Then paste this block to add the shortcuts, and restart your terminal:

if (!(Test-Path $PROFILE)) { New-Item -ItemType File -Path $PROFILE -Force }
Add-Content $PROFILE 'function cc { claude $args }'
Add-Content $PROFILE 'function gg { gemini $args }'
Add-Content $PROFILE 'function cx { codex $args }'
. $PROFILE
Write-Host "Done. Type cc, gg, or cx in any folder."

If a command isn't recognized right after installing, close and reopen your terminal — the PATH only refreshes in new windows.

Troubleshooting — the usual snags

"command not found" or "is not recognized" right after installing

Close the terminal and open a brand-new one — the PATH only refreshes in new windows, so a just-installed command won't be found in a terminal that was already open.

Windows: the cc / gg / cx shortcuts or an install one-liner won't run

Windows blocks scripts by default. Open PowerShell and run Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser RemoteSigned (answer "Y"), then try again. This is safe and only affects your user account.

"python" is not recognized (Windows)

Re-run the Python installer and tick "Add python.exe to PATH" on the very first screen, then reopen your terminal.

npm permission error (EACCES) on macOS / Linux

Don't reach for sudo — it causes more problems. Point npm at a user-owned folder instead: npm config set prefix ~/.npm-global then add ~/.npm-global/bin to your PATH and reinstall.

It installed but won't sign in

Confirm you have the right account/plan for that tool (see each one above), then run it again — it reopens the browser sign-in page.

Other AI tools worth knowing

Beyond the coding CLIs, these are worth a look. The same dependencies (Node.js especially) cover the ones you install yourself.

OpenClaw

Open source

A self-hosted personal AI assistant you can message from WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, and more. Installs via npm like the coding CLIs above (needs Node.js).

Install:
npm install -g openclaw@latest

Hermes (Nous Research)

Open source

Neutrally-aligned, open-source AI models — plus the Hermes Agent, an open agent with persistent memory you can run yourself.

Perplexity

AI answer engine

An AI research and answer engine — great for sourcing facts with citations. Available on the web plus desktop and mobile apps.

Quick reference: what each piece does

ToolIn plain English
Node.jsRuns the AI CLIs and add-ons. Bundles npm, which installs all three tools. Install first.
PythonThe language behind most AI tooling and MCP servers.
Google Cloud CLIDeploy apps and use Google Cloud services from the terminal.
GitTracks every change so you can undo anything the AI does.
VS Code / DockerEditor with a built-in terminal / container packaging. Both optional.
Claude Code · Gemini CLI · Codex CLIThe AI assistants that read and edit your files from the terminal. Install last.

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