5-MINUTE QUICK START

Do not configure everything at once. Get one small workflow working first.

The best first-run workflow is: install → add one folder → keep it read-only → ask AI to read it → enable more permissions only when needed.

Your 5-minute goal: AI can see the correct project and answer about files on your computer without changing anything.
1

Download the official Windows build.

You do not need to buy first to try the Free workflow.

Open Downloads → get the EXE.

Use only files from the official ChatCode website. If Windows shows a warning, verify the download source and the SHA-256 on the release page before deciding to run it.

↓ Download ChatCode

2

Add one small project first.

A Project is simply a folder where you let ChatCode work.

Choose an easy-to-recognize repo or folder.

Ví dụ D:\Work\my-app. Do not start with an entire drive when you only want a quick test.

Keep write permissions off. For the first run, read/search is enough to verify ChatCode sees the correct scope.
3

Ask a read-only question.

This is the simplest test that Project Brain and the project boundary are working.

Use ChatCode to read project my-app. Tell me the 10 most important files/folders and summarize the architecture. Do not edit files or run commands.
Success looks like: the AI calls ChatCode and returns real file/folder names from your project.
4

Connect AI if your platform supports it.

Direct connector availability depends on the platform, plan, and device you use.

Want a direct connection

Open AI compatibility, choose the correct ChatGPT/Claude/Vibe/Grok path, then copy the link from ChatCode.

No suitable connector yet

You can still use Project Brain to get the right context/guidance and move the result into your AI chat with a copy/paste workflow.

5

Enable permissions only when the task needs them.

Broader permissions let AI do more, and increase the scope you are responsible for.

Read only

Explore, understand architecture, audit, and find issues.

Edit files

Enable when you want AI to patch code or create output.

Task / Git / Remote

Enable separately when you need tests, commits, or server operations.

Next: try Prompt library or explore 15 real workflows. If any step does not behave as expected, open Troubleshooting by symptom.