# Quickstart

Four steps onto the platform: install the ap CLI, add the agent plugin, import or create a project, run and publish.

> Source: https://www.application-platform.com/en/docs/quickstart/

The platform creates repositories, pipelines, and deployments for your project. You need the ap CLI and, if you work with Claude Code, Cursor, or Codex, the agent plugin.

**Prompt for your agent**

```text
Set me up on the Application Platform: 1. Check with `ap --version` whether the ap CLI is installed; if not, install it with `curl -fsSL https://www.application-platform.com/install.sh | sh` (Windows: `irm https://www.application-platform.com/install.ps1 | iex`). 2. Install the agent plugin with `npx --yes github:doppelt-digital/application-platform-plugin` and sign me in with `ap login`. 3. If this folder already contains code, import it with platform_projects_import_local; otherwise create a new project (platform_projects_demo_json, platform_projects_create, platform_watch, platform_projects_clone). 4. Start the application with `ap run-local` and tell me where the working folder is.
```

## Prerequisites

- An [account](https://app.application-platform.com/register) with an organization
- [Node.js 18 or newer](https://nodejs.org/)

## 1. Install the ap CLI and sign in

macOS and Linux:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://www.application-platform.com/install.sh | sh
```

Windows (PowerShell):

```powershell
irm https://www.application-platform.com/install.ps1 | iex
```

The script puts `ap` on your PATH; open a new terminal afterwards and sign in:

```bash
ap login
```

If you want your whole computer set up (runtimes, editors, projects), use the [setup app]({{< relref "/downloads" >}}) instead; it includes the CLI.

## 2. Install the agent plugin

```bash
npx --yes github:doppelt-digital/application-platform-plugin
```

The installer detects Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex, adds the skills and the MCP server, and starts `ap login`. Reload your editor afterwards. Agents without MCP support get the skills only: `npx skills add doppelt-digital/application-platform-plugin -g -y`. All installation paths are listed under [CLI and agent plugin]({{< relref "cli-and-agent-plugin" >}}).

## 3. Import or create a project

**Existing folder**: Tell the agent "Import this project into my Application Platform account." or use the CLI in the project folder:

```bash
ap platform projects import-local . "My project"
```

Supported stacks are Flutter, React Native (Expo), Next.js, native iOS and Android, Hugo, Astro, NestJS, FastAPI, and Laravel. Details: [Import an existing repository]({{< relref "agent-project-import" >}}).

**New project**: Tell the agent "Create a new project with a Next.js app and a NestJS backend and clone it." or use the CLI:

```bash
ap platform projects demo-json --minimal -o project.json
ap platform projects create --from-json project.json --watch
ap platform projects clone <project-slug>
```

Without the CLI, use the wizard under **Projects** in the [web interface](https://app.application-platform.com). Details: [Create a new project]({{< relref "create-project" >}}).

Either way, the project ends up under `~/Documents/application-platform/<organization>/<project>/` with one folder per repository.

## 4. Run and publish

```bash
cd ~/Documents/application-platform/<organization>/<project>/<repository>
ap run-local
```

A push to `main` starts the pipeline and deploys to dev; you release production in GitLab with one click. For that, the project needs a [server]({{< relref "servers" >}}) and, for its own address, a [domain]({{< relref "domain" >}}). [Git workflow and deployment]({{< relref "git-workflow" >}}) describes the flow.

## Further reading

- New to Git, the terminal, and servers: [What is the Application Platform?]({{< relref "what-is-the-platform" >}}) starts the beginner path.
- Experienced: [Overview in five minutes]({{< relref "developer-overview" >}}) and [Local development]({{< relref "local-development" >}}).
- Run ready-made software such as WordPress or n8n: [Docker Apps from the catalog]({{< relref "hosted-apps" >}}).