# Getting started

> Install the extension, connect a model, and run your first task in about five minutes.

GBS SE Agent · Start · Source: https://kit.gramproindia.com/se-agent/getting-started · Code: https://github.com/gramproindia/agent

## 1. Install the extension

You need VS Code 1.120 or later.

- Open the **Extensions** view (<kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>X</kbd>),
  search for **GBS SE Agent**, and click **Install**.
- Or run:

```bash
code --install-extension gbs-internal-toolchain.gbs-software-agent
```

## 2. Connect a model

The agent is the hands; a model is the brain. Pick one:

- **A local model** keeps your code on your machine and has no usage limits.
  Install [Ollama](https://ollama.com/download) and pull a model that supports
  tool calling:

```bash
ollama pull qwen2.5-coder:7b
```

  [Local models](https://kit.gramproindia.com/se-agent/local-models) covers which model fits your hardware,
  and how to use LM Studio, llama.cpp or vLLM instead.
- **A cloud model** needs no GPU. Hugging Face is the default cloud endpoint,
  and Groq and Google AI Studio have free tiers. See
  [Cloud models](https://kit.gramproindia.com/se-agent/cloud-models).

## 3. Open a project and start

1. Open your project folder (**File → Open Folder…**) and trust it when VS Code
   asks. The agent stays off in Restricted Mode.
2. Click the **GBS Agent** robot icon in the activity bar.
3. Click the model chip under the chat input, then choose the provider and the
   model.
4. Describe a task and press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

A good first task is one you can check quickly:

> Give me an overview of this codebase and how it's structured.

Then try one that changes something:

> Add input validation to the signup form and run the tests.

> **Brief it like a colleague**
> Say what should change and how you will know it worked. "Make sure the auth
> tests still pass" gives the agent a way to check its own work.

## What happens next

You will see a row for every action (reading a file, searching, running a
command). Commands wait for your approval. When the turn ends, a summary lists
every changed file with a diff button and an undo button.

[Working with the agent](https://kit.gramproindia.com/se-agent/using-the-agent) explains each part of the
panel, and [Approving actions](https://kit.gramproindia.com/se-agent/using-the-agent#approving-actions)
explains the permission modes.