Getting Started with LLxprt Code

Welcome to LLxprt Code! This guide walks you through your first session — from installation to your first AI-assisted coding task.

Prerequisites

  • Node.js 20+ installed on your system
  • A terminal/command line

Install LLxprt Code

npm install -g @vybestack/llxprt-code

Or run without installing:

npx @vybestack/llxprt-code

Choose Your Path

LLxprt Code works with multiple AI providers. Pick the option that works for you:

Option A: Free Tier (No Credit Card Required)

Gemini (Google) — Free tier with generous limits:

llxprt
/auth gemini enable
/provider gemini
/model gemini-2.5-flash

Qwen (Alibaba) — Free tier for coding tasks:

llxprt
/auth qwen enable
/provider qwen
/model qwen-3-coder

Option B: Claude Pro/Max Subscription

If you have a Claude Pro ($20/month) or Claude Max ($100-200/month) subscription, you can use it directly:

llxprt
/auth anthropic enable
/provider anthropic
/model claude-sonnet-4-5

This opens a browser for OAuth authentication with your existing Anthropic account.

Option C: API Keys (Pay-per-token)

For direct API access with pay-as-you-go pricing:

Anthropic:

llxprt
/provider anthropic
/keyfile ~/.anthropic_key
/model claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929

OpenAI:

llxprt
/provider openai
/keyfile ~/.openai_key
/model gpt-5.2

Gemini (API Key):

llxprt
/provider gemini
/keyfile ~/.gemini_key
/model gemini-3-flash-preview

Note: Store your API key in a file (e.g., ~/.anthropic_key) with chmod 600 permissions. The /keyfile command loads the key securely without exposing it in shell history.

Get your API keys from:

Your First Session

1. Navigate to Your Project

cd your-project-directory
llxprt

LLxprt Code automatically reads your project context.

2. Ask a Question

Type naturally at the prompt:

> Explain the structure of this codebase

The AI analyzes your project files and explains the architecture.

3. Try a File Operation

LLxprt Code can read and modify files with your permission:

> Read the README.md file and suggest improvements

Or create new files:

> Create a simple unit test for the main module

Note: LLxprt Code will ask for confirmation before writing files. Review changes before accepting.

4. Debug an Issue

Paste an error message directly:

> I'm getting this error: TypeError: Cannot read property 'map' of undefined
  at UserList.render (src/components/UserList.js:24)
  Help me fix it

5. Save Your Configuration

Once you have your provider and model configured how you like, save it as a profile:

/profile save model my-setup

Load it anytime:

/profile load my-setup

Or set it as your default:

/profile set-default my-setup

Essential Commands

Command Description
/help Show all available commands
/provider Switch AI provider
/model Change the AI model
/auth <provider> enable Set up OAuth authentication
/profile save model <name> Save your current configuration
/profile load <name> Load a saved profile
/clear Clear conversation history
/quit or Ctrl+C Exit LLxprt Code

Tips for Better Results

  1. Be specific — "Add error handling to the login function in src/auth.js" works better than "improve my code"
  2. Provide context — Mention relevant files, error messages, or constraints
  3. Iterate — Follow up with clarifications or ask for alternatives
  4. Use the right model — Larger models (claude-opus-4-5, gpt-5.2) for complex tasks, faster models (gemini-flash, claude-haiku-4-5) for quick questions

Security Tip: Sandboxing

When working with code from external sources, enable sandboxing to protect your system:

# Use the safe profile for untrusted code
llxprt --sandbox-profile-load safe "review this pull request"

Sandboxing isolates tool execution from your host using Docker or Podman containers. Credentials stay on the host through the credential proxy, and host access is limited to explicit mounts used by sandbox runtime.

For a full walkthrough, see the Sandbox Tutorial.

Next Steps

Now that you're up and running:

Troubleshooting

Authentication Issues

# Check auth status
/auth <provider> status

# Re-authenticate
/auth <provider> logout
/auth <provider> enable

Model Not Available

# List available models for current provider
/model

# Check current provider
/provider

Need More Help?