> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kerno.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kerno.gitbook.io/docs/ide-extension/quickstart.md).

# Quickstart

### Prerequisites

* Docker installed and running
* Git initialized in your project

### Step 1 — Install the extension

Install the Kerno extension from the [VS Code Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=kerno.kerno) or [Open VSX](https://open-vsx.org/extension/Kerno/kerno). It works in VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, Antigravity, and Trae.

### Step 2 — Sign in

Open your project in the IDE and click the Kerno icon in the activity bar. Click **Get Started**, then sign in or create an account in the browser that opens.

### Step 3 — Start the agent

The extension starts the Kerno agent automatically after sign-in. Kerno analyzes your repository and detects the applications inside it. For monorepos, it will ask you to select which projects to enable Kerno for. Check one or more and click **Enable Kerno**.

Kerno scans your repository and starts detecting endpoints. You will see the agent port and MCP port in the Environment section once it is ready.

### Step 4 — Connect your coding agent

Open the Help & Feedback menu at the bottom of the Kerno panel and click **MCP Config**.

Connect your coding agent to the MCP server shown:

**Cursor:** Click **Install in Cursor** for a one-click setup.

**Claude Code:** Run the command shown in the MCP Config panel:

```bash
claude mcp add --transport http kerno http://localhost:<port>/mcp
```

**Other agents:** Copy the JSON snippet and paste it into your agent's MCP configuration file.

{% hint style="warning" %}
The MCP port is session-specific. Always use the port shown in the panel, not a hardcoded value.
{% endhint %}

### Step 5 — Start working

Once your agent is connected, click **Start application** in the Environment section. Kerno generates a prompt with instructions for your agent to set up the environment. Copy it or click **Send to Chat** to send it directly to your agent.

From here, your agent drives Kerno via MCP. The extension reflects what is happening in real time.