---
title: "Quickstart"
description: "First search in 5 minutes"
---

## 1. Install

```bash
npx autosearch-ai              # one-shot install + init
# OR, if you already have the Python CLI on PATH:
autosearch init
```

`init` is an explicit step, not an npm postinstall hook. AutoSearch avoids
running lifecycle scripts during npm install because automatic install-time
execution is a known supply-chain risk. Plain `npm install -g autosearch-ai`
installs the wrapper but does not run `init` — use `npx autosearch-ai` for
the one-shot flow.

The explicit init step configures the MCP server. You should see:

```
✅ Python 3.12+              [OK]
✅ claude_code               [Detected]
✅ MCP server                [Config written]
✅ Search channels           [32/39 ready]

+--------------------------------------------+
|  You are all set!                           |
|  Run: autosearch doctor — channel status    |
|  Run: autosearch login xhs — Chinese media  |
+--------------------------------------------+
```

## 2. Open Claude Code

Restart Claude Code (or run `/mcp` to reload). AutoSearch tools will appear automatically.

## 3. Run your first search

Ask Claude:

```
Search arxiv for "transformer long-context 2026" and summarize the top findings.
```

Claude will call `run_clarify` → `delegate_subtask` → `consolidate_research` automatically.

## 4. Deep research

For longer research sessions:

```
Research the current state of open-source LLM inference optimization.
Use AutoSearch to search academic and developer sources, then give me a structured report.
```

AutoSearch handles multi-round searching, gap detection, and result deduplication.

## 5. Check channel status

```bash
autosearch doctor
```

To unlock Chinese social media channels (Xiaohongshu, Weibo, Douyin, etc.):

```bash
autosearch login xhs
autosearch configure TIKHUB_API_KEY <your-key>
```

See the [full install guide](/install) for all options.
