# Install Claude Code or Codex

_Connect an AI assistant · 2 min read · Updated 2026-10-28 · https://lanachat.ai/guides/ai-install-assistant/_

Claude Code and Codex are AI assistants that run in a terminal. Both can connect to the LanaChat MCP server. Pick one. If you prefer an app with windows and buttons, skip this page and go to [Claude Desktop, Cursor and VS Code](https://lanachat.ai/guides/ai-connect-desktop-editors/).

## What you need

- A computer: Mac, Windows or Linux.
- An account and a paid plan with the maker of the assistant. LanaChat does not sell them.
- About 10 minutes.

## Open a terminal

- **Mac**: press Cmd + Space, type `Terminal`, press Enter.
- **Windows**: press the Windows key, type `PowerShell`, press Enter.
- **Linux**: open the Terminal app.

## Install Claude Code

On a Mac or Linux, paste this line and press Enter:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
```

On Windows, in PowerShell:

```powershell
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
```

Then start it:

```bash
claude
```

The first start opens your browser to sign in. Sign in, come back to the terminal, and type `/exit` to leave.

## Install Codex

On a Mac with Homebrew:

```bash
brew install --cask codex
```

On other systems, follow the install page of Codex. Then start it:

```bash
codex
```

The first start asks you to sign in. Sign in, then leave with Ctrl + C.

## Check it works

Type `claude --version` or `codex --version`. A version number means the assistant is installed.

> Note: The assistant runs on your computer, under your account with its maker. LanaChat never sees your conversations with it. It only sees the tool calls the assistant makes with your token.

Next: [create your MCP token](https://lanachat.ai/guides/ai-create-mcp-token/).

## Related

- [Start here: what an AI assistant can do for you](https://lanachat.ai/guides/ai-start-here/)
- [Connect Claude Code](https://lanachat.ai/guides/ai-connect-claude-code/)
- [Connect Codex](https://lanachat.ai/guides/ai-connect-codex/)