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

# Getting Started

> The first questions: where commands run, the difference between the two triggers, signing in, and whether you need an API key.

The questions that come up in the first hour. Each answer links to the page with the full story.

#### Do I type Nito commands in my terminal or inside the chat?

Inside a running Claude Code or Codex session, not your terminal shell. `/nito:ask` and `$nito:ask` are commands the harness understands; your shell does not. The one exception is the `nito` [CLI](/help/faq/using-the-cli), which does run in the terminal.

#### What is the difference between `/nito:` and `$nito:`?

Only the trigger. Claude Code uses `/nito:`, Codex uses `$nito:`. Every command exists in both harnesses with the same behavior. See the [Command Index](/commands/command-index).

#### Do I need an API key?

No. The plugin signs in through your browser and stores the credential for you. You never paste a key into a chat, and Nito never asks for one there. See [Install](/get-started/install-claude-code).

#### Why did setup ask me to sign in twice?

Because there are two credentials: a **Local CLI** credential for local features, and a **Hosted** connection for the model calls. Setup authorizes both in the browser and skips either one that is already signed in, so you may only see one prompt.

#### Is Nito a model, or a gateway?

A gateway. Nito sits in front of many models, and the one you set is the one that answers. See [How It Works](/get-started/how-it-works).

## Related Resources

* [Install Claude Code](/get-started/install-claude-code)
* [Install Codex](/get-started/install-codex)
* [Your First Ask](/get-started/your-first-ask)
* [Command Index](/commands/command-index)