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

# Installation

> Install LiteClient from the VS Code Marketplace, Open VSX, or from source

LiteClient is available through multiple installation methods. The VS Code Marketplace is recommended for most users.

## VS Code Marketplace

The easiest way to install LiteClient is through the VS Code Marketplace.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Extensions view">
    Press `Ctrl+Shift+X` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd+Shift+X` (macOS) to open the Extensions view in VS Code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search for LiteClient">
    Type "LiteClient" in the search box at the top of the Extensions view.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install the extension">
    Click the **Install** button on the LiteClient extension by liteclienthq.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start using LiteClient">
    Click the LiteClient icon in the Activity Bar to open the sidebar and start making requests.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  You can also install LiteClient by opening the Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P` or `Cmd+Shift+P`) and running **Extensions: Install Extensions**, then searching for "LiteClient".
</Tip>

## Open VSX Registry

If you're using VS Codium or another VS Code compatible editor that uses Open VSX, you can install LiteClient from the Open VSX Registry.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Visit the Open VSX page">
    Go to [open-vsx.org/extension/liteclienthq/liteclient](https://open-vsx.org/extension/liteclienthq/liteclient) in your browser.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download the VSIX file">
    Click the download button to get the latest `.vsix` file for your platform.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install from VSIX">
    Run the following command in your terminal, replacing `{version}` with the downloaded version:

    ```bash theme={null}
    code --install-extension liteclienthq.liteclient-{version}.vsix
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Install from source

Developers who want to contribute or customize LiteClient can install from source.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Clone the repository">
    ```bash theme={null}
    git clone https://github.com/liteclienthq/liteclient.git
    cd liteclient
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install dependencies">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npm install
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build the extension">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npm run build
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install the VSIX">
    After building, you'll find a `.vsix` file in the `dist/` directory. Install it using:

    ```bash theme={null}
    code --install-extension dist/liteclient-{version}.vsix
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Building from source requires Node.js 22.x or later and VS Code 1.90.0 or later.
</Note>

## Verify installation

After installing LiteClient through any method, verify the installation:

1. Look for the LiteClient icon in the Activity Bar (left sidebar)
2. Click the icon to open the LiteClient sidebar
3. You should see tabs for Collections, Environments, and History

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Make your first API request in under 60 seconds
  </Card>

  <Card title="Collections" icon="folder" href="/features/collections">
    Learn how to organize your requests with collections
  </Card>
</CardGroup>