---
title: "Installation"
description: "Step-by-step guide to installing and setting up Verdent"
---

This guide walks you through installing Verdent for VS Code from the Visual Studio Code Marketplace and completing the initial authentication.

---

## Requirements

Before installing Verdent, ensure your system meets these prerequisites:

### System Requirements

- **Visual Studio Code**: Version 1.90.0 or higher
- **Operating System**: macOS 11+, Windows 10+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 10+, RHEL 8+)
- **Internet Connection**: Active connection required for AI service communication

### Optional but Recommended

- **Git**: For version control integration and tracking code changes

See [System Requirements](/docs/verdent-for-vscode/getting-started/system-requirements) for detailed compatibility information.

---

## Installing the Extension

Verdent for VS Code is distributed through the Visual Studio Code Marketplace.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="VS Code Marketplace">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Visit Marketplace">
        Navigate to the [Verdent extension page](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=verdentai.verdent) in your browser.
      </Step>
      <Step title="Click Install">
        Click the **Install** button on the marketplace page.
      </Step>
      <Step title="Open in VS Code">
        VS Code will automatically open and begin the installation process.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
  <Tab title="Extensions Panel">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open VS Code">
        Launch Visual Studio Code on your computer.
      </Step>
      <Step title="Access Extensions">
        Click the Extensions icon in the left sidebar (four squares icon) or press:

        - **macOS**: `Cmd+Shift+X`
        - **Windows/Linux**: `Ctrl+Shift+X`
      </Step>
      <Step title="Search for Verdent">
        Type "Verdent" in the search box at the top of the Extensions panel. Look for "Verdent" by Verdent AI in the results.
      </Step>
      <Step title="Install">
        Click the **Install** button next to the Verdent extension. Installation typically takes a few seconds.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
  <Tab title="Command Line">
    ```bash
    code --install-extension verdentai.verdent
    ```

    This method is useful for:

    - Automated setup scripts
    - Remote server installations via SSH
    - CI/CD environment configuration
    - Installing on multiple machines quickly
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  If you use VS Code Settings Sync, Verdent will automatically install on new machines when you sync your extensions list.
</Tip>

---

## Authentication & Setup

After installation, you'll need to authenticate with your Verdent account to start using the extension.

### Initial Authentication

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Verdent">
    After installation, click the Verdent icon in the VS Code sidebar. You'll see Sign In / Sign Up options.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Sign In">
    Click **Sign In**. VS Code will show a popup asking "Do you want Code to open the external website?" - click **Open**.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Browser Authentication">
    Your browser will open to the Verdent authentication page. Sign in with your Verdent account credentials (email/password or OAuth providers like Google, GitHub, etc.).
  </Step>
  <Step title="Authorize VS Code">
    Grant VS Code access to your Verdent account when prompted.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Return to VS Code">
    Return to VS Code once authentication completes. The Verdent panel will now display the input interface.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Total time:** 2-3 minutes for complete installation and setup.

### Initial Configuration (Optional)

Verdent for VS Code is designed for immediate use after authentication with minimal configuration required.

**Default Settings:**

- **Permission Mode**: Auto-Run Mode (auto approve for safe operation)
- **Model Preset**: Balance (optimal performance/cost blend)
- **Context Management**: Automatic

**Optional Customization:**

You can adjust these settings later through the Verdent panel:

- **Permission Mode** - Choose Manual Accept, Auto-Run, Plan Mode, or Skip Permissions
- **Model Selection** - Select Performance, Balance, Efficiency presets or specific models
- **Workspace Settings** - Configure project-specific preferences

<Note>
  Most users can start using Verdent immediately after signing in without any additional configuration. Advanced settings can be adjusted as needed.
</Note>

---

## Verifying Installation

Confirm your installation is working correctly with these simple checks:

### Visual Verification

1. **Sidebar Icon** - Look for the Verdent icon in the VS Code sidebar (left side)
2. **Extension List** - Open Extensions panel (`Cmd+Shift+X` / `Ctrl+Shift+X`) and confirm "Verdent" shows as installed with a checkmark

### Functional Verification

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Verdent Panel">
    Click the Verdent icon in the sidebar or press `Cmd+L` (macOS) / `Ctrl+L` (Windows/Linux).
  </Step>
  <Step title="Send Test Prompt">
    Try a simple request like "Explain what this workspace contains" in the input box.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Receive Response">
    Verdent should analyze your workspace and provide a response within seconds.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Success Indicators:**

- Verdent icon visible in sidebar
- Successfully authenticated account
- Can send prompts and receive responses

### Troubleshooting

If verification fails, try these solutions:

| Issue                 | Solution                                        |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| Sidebar icon missing  | Restart VS Code or check for extension updates  |
| Prompts don't respond | Check internet connection and firewall settings |
| Extension not found   | Ensure VS Code version is 1.90.0 or higher      |

<Warning>
  Verdent requires an active internet connection. If prompts aren't responding, verify your network connectivity and firewall configuration allows outbound HTTPS to Verdent's API endpoints.
</Warning>

---

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/docs/verdent-for-vscode/getting-started/quick-start">
    Complete your first task with Verdent in 5 minutes
  </Card>
  <Card title="Core Concepts" icon="lightbulb" href="/docs/verdent-for-vscode/getting-started/core-concepts">
    Understand subagents, execution modes, and multi-agent architecture
  </Card>
</CardGroup>