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

# Installation

> Install the LeanMCP CLI tool

# Installing LeanMCP CLI

Get the LeanMCP CLI tool to manage your MCP projects from the command line.

## npm (Recommended)

Install globally via npm:

```bash theme={null}
npm install -g @leanmcp/cli
```

## Verify Installation

```bash theme={null}
leanmcp --version
```

**Example Output:**

```
1.0.7
```

## First Setup

After installation, authenticate with your API key:

```bash theme={null}
leanmcp login
```

The CLI will prompt you to enter your API key:

```
LeanMCP Login

? Enter your LeanMCP API key: airtrain_xxxx...

Validating API key...
API key validated successfully!
Logged in successfully!
```

<Note>
  Get your API key from the [LeanMCP Dashboard](https://leanmcp.com) → Settings → API Keys
</Note>

## Quick Start

After installation and login, create your first MCP server:

```bash theme={null}
# Create a new project with auto-install
leanmcp create my-mcp-server --install

# Start the development server
cd my-mcp-server
leanmcp dev
```

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Authentication" icon="key" href="/cli/authentication">
    Set up your API key and login
  </Card>

  <Card title="Project Management" icon="folder" href="/cli/projects">
    Create and manage MCP projects
  </Card>
</CardGroup>