You don't need to know how to code. AI coding agents let you describe what you want in plain English, and they write the code for you. This guide will walk you through everything - from opening a terminal for the first time to shipping your first project safely.
Nothing fancy. Here's the checklist - you probably have most of this already.
Windows, Mac, or Linux. Even an older laptop works.
The AI runs in the cloud, so you'll need a connection.
A text window where you type commands. We'll show you how.
That's what this guide helps you pick and install.
No rush. Go at your own pace. You can't break anything.
A terminal is a text window where you type commands instead of clicking buttons. Think of it as texting your computer. Pick your operating system below.
WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) lets you run Linux inside Windows. Most AI coding tools are designed for Linux, so this is the best way to use them on a Windows PC.
Right-click the Start button (bottom-left Windows icon) and choose "Terminal (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)". If it asks "Do you want to allow this app to make changes?" click Yes.
Type this command and press Enter. It will install Linux (Ubuntu) inside your Windows:
wsl --install
After the install finishes, restart your PC. When it comes back, Ubuntu will automatically open and ask you to set up a username and password.
Pick a simple username (lowercase, no spaces) like alex. Then pick a password. When you type the password, nothing will appear on screen - this is normal, it's hidden for security. Just type it and press Enter.
Think of this like installing Windows updates, but for Linux. The word sudo means "do this as an administrator".
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Node.js is a program that many AI tools need to run. Copy and paste this entire command:
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash - && sudo apt install -y nodejs
Run this to make sure Node.js installed correctly. You should see version numbers appear:
node --version && npm --version
sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip
From now on, to open your Linux terminal: press the Windows key, type "Ubuntu", and click it. You're ready to install an AI coding tool.
Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight, type "Terminal", and press Enter. A window with a text prompt will appear.
Homebrew is like an app store for your terminal. Paste this command and press Enter:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Follow the on-screen instructions. It may ask for your Mac password.
brew install node
node --version && npm --version
macOS comes with Python. Check it:
python3 --version
You're all set! Keep the Terminal app in your Dock for easy access.
Press Ctrl + Alt + T on most Linux systems. A text window will appear.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash - && sudo apt install -y nodejs
node --version && npm --version
sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip
That's it! You're ready to install an AI tool.
A VPS is a computer that lives in a data center and runs 24/7. You connect to it from anywhere. Great if you want more power, or prefer to keep AI work off your personal machine.
Go to hostinger.com and sign up. You'll need an email address and a payment method.
Look for their VPS section. KVM 1 or KVM 2 is plenty to start with. Don't overthink it - you can upgrade later.
When asked which OS to install, pick Ubuntu 24.04. This is the same Linux you'd use with WSL.
Pick the one closest to where you live. If you're in Canada, choose a US or Canadian location.
Make it strong: at least 12 characters, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Write this down somewhere safe.
It usually takes 1–2 minutes. You'll see a dashboard with your server's IP address - a number like 185.203.45.123.
Open your terminal (WSL on Windows, Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:
ssh root@YOUR_IP_ADDRESS
Replace YOUR_IP_ADDRESS with the actual number from your dashboard. When it asks "Are you sure you want to continue connecting?" type yes and press Enter. Then enter your password.
You're now controlling your cloud computer. Follow the "After Connecting" tab for the next steps.
Go to ovhcloud.com and sign up.
Choose Starter or Essential plan. Either works great for AI coding.
Same as Hostinger - choose Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Pick one near you for the best speed.
OVH will email you your server's IP address and login credentials within a few minutes.
ssh ubuntu@YOUR_IP_ADDRESS
Note: OVH often uses ubuntu as the username instead of root. Check your welcome email.
Head to the "After Connecting" tab to secure your server and install tools.
These steps are important for security. Don't skip them - they protect your server from attackers.
Root is the all-powerful admin account. Using it daily is risky - one wrong command can break everything. Create a normal user instead:
adduser yourusername
Replace yourusername with whatever you want. Set a strong password.
usermod -aG sudo yourusername
This gives your new user permission to run admin commands when needed (using sudo).
A firewall blocks unwanted connections to your server:
sudo ufw allow OpenSSH && sudo ufw enable
Disconnect and reconnect with your new username:
ssh yourusername@YOUR_IP_ADDRESS
Now follow the same Linux setup steps from the Terminal Setup section above. Your VPS is just a Linux computer!
These tools write code for you. You describe what you want in plain English, they do the rest. Start with one of the Big 3.
Anthropic
The smartest option. Excellent at understanding complex requests, editing many files at once, and explaining what it's doing. If you only try one tool, try this one.
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
cd my-project claude > Create a personal portfolio website with a dark theme, about page, and contact form
Google's AI with the largest "memory" - it can read and understand entire large projects at once. The most generous free tier of any AI coding tool.
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
cd my-project gemini > Look at all the files here and explain what this project does in simple terms
OpenAI
OpenAI's open-source agent with a safety-first design. Runs code in a protected "sandbox" so it can't accidentally harm your system. Great for cautious beginners.
npm install -g @openai/codex
cd my-project codex > Write a Python script that organizes my photos by date
The original AI pair programmer. Supports 100+ AI models - the most flexible option. Auto-commits your changes to Git.
python -m pip install aider-install && aider-install
AI coding inside VS Code (a popular code editor). Visual interface - great if you prefer clicking over typing commands.
code --install-extension saoudrizwan.claude-dev
Privacy-focused, supports 75+ model providers. Can run completely offline on your own computer. Beautiful terminal interface.
curl -fsSL https://opencode.ai/install | bash
By Block (the company behind Square). Connects to GitHub, Jira, Slack. Very extensible with plugins.
curl -fsSL https://github.com/block/goose/raw/main/download.sh | bash
A modern terminal replacement with AI built in. Runs multiple AI agents at once. The most user-friendly terminal experience for beginners.
brew install --cask warp
All 8 tools side by side. Find the right fit for your needs.
Scroll sideways to see all columns →
| Tool | Maker | Free? | Open Source? | Best For | Difficulty | Install |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Code | Anthropic | Free tier | No | Complex projects | Beginner | npm i -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code |
| Gemini CLI | Generous free | Yes | Large codebases | Beginner | npm i -g @google/gemini-cli | |
| Codex CLI | OpenAI | API costs | Yes | Safe code generation | Beginner | npm i -g @openai/codex |
| Aider | Paul Gauthier | Free (BYO key) | Yes | Model flexibility | Intermediate | pip install aider-install |
| Cline | Cline Bot | Free (BYO key) | Yes | VS Code users | Beginner | VS Code extension |
| OpenCode | Community | Free (BYO key) | Yes | Privacy-first | Intermediate | curl install script |
| Goose | Block | Free (BYO key) | Yes | Extensibility | Intermediate | curl install script |
| Warp | Warp | Free tier | No | Friendly terminal | Beginner | brew install --cask warp |
AI tools are powerful, but you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this section carefully - it could save you money, data, and headaches.
An API key is like a password that lets the AI tool charge your account. If someone else gets it, they can rack up charges in your name.
.env fileecho "export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your-key-here" >> ~/.bashrc && source ~/.bashrc
AI can make mistakes. Most tools will ask you before running commands - always read what they want to do before approving.
If the AI ever suggests sudo rm -rf / or anything similar - STOP. Never run it. This command would delete everything on your system.
Basic steps to keep your computer (or VPS) safe from attackers.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -ysudo ufw enablesudoGit saves snapshots of your code. GitHub is where you can store and share it online.
.env files.gitignore file - ask the AI to make one for yougit status before committing to check what you're uploadingAs a new developer, you're a target. Here's what to watch for:
colorsv2 instead of colors. Always double-check package names.Don't panic. Here's what to do:
Ctrl + C to stop it instantlylast to check for unknown logins, consider wiping and reinstallingLet's build something real in under 5 minutes. Follow along.
WSL on Windows, Terminal on Mac, or SSH into your VPS.
mkdir my-first-site && cd my-first-site
We'll use Claude Code here, but any tool works the same way:
claude
Type this (or anything you'd like):
> Create a personal website with my name, a short bio section, and a contact form. Make it look modern with dark mode. Use a single HTML file.
The AI will create the files for you. It might ask a few questions - just answer in plain English.
npx serve .
Open the URL it shows (usually http://localhost:3000) in your browser. You just built a website.
Congratulations! You just built your first project using AI. From here, the only limit is your imagination. Try asking for a blog, a dashboard, a game - anything.