> Documentation index: https://docs.kiste.run/llms.txt, a list of every page in this documentation.

# Quickstart

> Install the CLI, sign in, create a Kiste, open its desktop and stop it again.

This takes about five minutes. You need a Kiste account and a computer with
macOS, Linux or Windows.

> **Info:** Early access
>
> Kiste is in early access. Accounts are created by invitation; request one at
> [kiste.run](https://kiste.run). Using Kiste is free during early access.

### 1. Install the CLI

On macOS and Linux:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://kiste.run/install.sh | sh
```

The installer checks the release signature and the checksum before it installs
`kiste` (and `kst`, the short name) into `~/.local/bin`. Windows and other
options are in [Install the CLI](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/install.md).

### 2. Sign in

```bash
kiste login
```

Your browser opens the Kiste console at console.kiste.run. Sign in if you
aren't already and approve the computer. Back in the terminal, the CLI is signed in, and this computer's SSH
key has been added to your account, so every Kiste accepts it.

### 3. Create your first Kiste

```bash
kiste new my-first-kiste
```

The Kiste starts in seconds and you land in its shell as `root`. Try a few
things:

```bash
uname -a
docker run --rm hello-world
exit
```

`exit` leaves the shell; the Kiste keeps running. Because you created it last,
it is now your *current* Kiste, so the following commands need no name.

### 4. Run a command from outside

```bash
kiste exec -- git --version
```

`exec` runs a program in the Kiste and returns its exact output and exit
status, which makes it the tool for scripts and agents.

### 5. Open the desktop

```bash
kiste desktop
```

Your browser opens the Kiste's GNOME desktop at desktop.kiste.run. The link
works only in browsers signed in to your account. [Desktop](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop.md) explains
the viewer.

### 6. Stop it

```bash
kiste stop --snapshot
```

The Kiste saves its memory and stops; it uses no compute while stopped. Bring it
back exactly as it was:

```bash
kiste start my-first-kiste
```

Without `--snapshot`, `kiste stop` shuts down cleanly and the next start is a
fresh boot from the same disk.

## What next

- Shell completions that know your Kisten by name:
  `source <(kiste completions zsh)` in `~/.zshrc`.
- Reach Kisten from `ssh`, `scp` and VS Code: [SSH configuration and
  editors](https://docs.kiste.run/ssh/ssh-config.md).
- Publish a web app: `kiste stream 3000`, see [Kiste Stream](https://docs.kiste.run/stream.md).
- Everything about Kisten: [Kisten](https://docs.kiste.run/kisten.md).

## Related topics

- [What is Kiste](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started.md)
- [Install the CLI](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/install.md)
- [Core concepts](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/concepts.md)
- [FAQ](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/faq.md)
- Previous: [What is Kiste](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started.md)
- Next: [Install the CLI](https://docs.kiste.run/get-started/install.md)