> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mossx.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Prepare your environment

> Set up Node.js 18+, the Claude / Codex SDKs, and optional local CLIs for CC GUI.

Installing the plugin is not enough to chat. CC GUI starts AI runtimes through local Node.js: Claude and Codex use SDKs, while Grok / Kimi / OpenCode / Pi use CLIs you already installed.

The JetBrains plugin has **no** separate setup-wizard command. Open the **CC GUI** tool window on the right, then finish Node, SDK, and provider setup in Settings.

<Tip>
  Open **Settings → SDK dependencies** to check Node and SDK status. Install whatever is missing, then go back to the provider page to add credentials.
</Tip>

## 1. Set up Node.js 18+

<Note>
  The VS Code docs require Node 20+. The JetBrains plugin follows this repo’s detection code, which is currently **18+**.
</Note>

CC GUI for JetBrains requires **Node.js major version ≥ 18** (the detection threshold). This path is only for the plugin. It does not change the Node version in your project terminal.

Your project can keep using an older Node. Install a separate Node 18+ (LTS recommended), then paste the executable path into CC GUI.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install a separate Node 18+">
    Use the official installer, nvm, fnm, or a system package manager. Then run this in that environment:

    ```bash theme={null}
    node -p "process.execPath"
    ```

    Save the full path. On Windows it must point to `node.exe`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste it into CC GUI">
    Open CC GUI → **Settings** → **General** → **Environment**, paste the path into the plugin-only Node.js field, then click **Save**.

    If you leave it empty, the plugin tries to detect `node` on PATH.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/mossx-docs/kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe/images/jetbrains/settings-environment.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe&q=85&s=1bb2ac574ec26b368b3b5a704fbbcffd" alt="Node path in Settings" width="100%" data-path="images/jetbrains/settings-environment.png" />

Common cases:

| Symptom                                                     | What to do                                                          |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Node not detected                                           | Install Node 18+ and enter the full path                            |
| Detected version is too old                                 | Install a separate Node 18+. Do not change the project default Node |
| Windows path is invalid                                     | It must point to `node.exe`, not a directory                        |
| An IDE launched from the Dock / Start menu cannot find Node | Add Node to system environment variables, then restart the IDE      |

## 2. Install the Claude / Codex SDKs

Claude Code and Codex need their SDKs. The plugin installs them into your user directory (shared with the VS Code extension under a path such as `~/.codemoss/dependencies/`).

Matching npm packages:

* Claude: `@anthropic-ai/claude-agent-sdk`
* Codex: `@openai/codex-sdk`

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open SDK dependencies">
    In CC GUI, click **Settings** → **SDK dependencies**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install what is missing">
    Click **Install** for any SDK that is not installed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the version">
    After install you should see the current version. Codex also checks CLI integrity. If that check fails, the status stays uninstalled.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/mossx-docs/kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe/images/jetbrains/settings-dependencies.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe&q=85&s=717470f5c6e5e14a52974726d7149fd5" alt="SDK dependencies page" width="100%" data-path="images/jetbrains/settings-dependencies.png" />

<Note>
  If the chat area says the SDK is not installed, **Go to install** jumps to this page.
</Note>

## 3. Install local CLIs as needed

The plugin **does not** install Grok, Kimi, OpenCode, or Pi for you. Install them in a system terminal, confirm the commands work, then go back to **Settings → Provider management → CLI** and click **Detect again**.

Install commands live on each engine page:

| Engine   | Install guide                                                                    |
| -------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Kimi     | [Install](/en/jetbrains/providers/kimi#install)                                  |
| Grok     | [Install](/en/jetbrains/providers/grok#install) (use WSL or Git Bash on Windows) |
| OpenCode | [Install](/en/jetbrains/providers/opencode#install)                              |
| Pi       | [Install](/en/jetbrains/providers/pi#install)                                    |

Skip this step if you only want Claude or Codex working first. For detection and PATH troubleshooting, see [Detect and install](/en/jetbrains/providers/cli).

## 4. Configure a provider

When the environment is ready, configure a Claude or Codex provider in the sidebar. Next: [Send the first message](/en/jetbrains/start/first-task).