Quickstart
Get Container Use up and running in minutes. Install, configure your agent, and create your first environment.
Overview
Get Container Use running with your coding agent in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through installation, agent setup, and creating your first environment.
Make sure you have Docker and Git installed before starting.
Installation
Choose your preferred installation method:
Recommended for macOS users - Homebrew will automatically install shell completions for you.
This will:
- Install the latest
cu
binary - Add it to your
$PATH
- Install shell completions automatically
Verify Installation
Recommended for macOS users - Homebrew will automatically install shell completions for you.
This will:
- Install the latest
cu
binary - Add it to your
$PATH
- Install shell completions automatically
Verify Installation
Universal installer - Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows (WSL).
This script will:
- Check for Docker & Git (required dependencies)
- Detect your platform automatically
- Install the latest
cu
binary to your$PATH
- Provide shell completion installation instructions
Verify Installation
Shell Completions
After installation, follow the provided instructions to enable shell completions for your shell (bash, zsh, fish).
For developers - Build the latest version from source code.
Prerequisites
- Go 1.21 or later
- Git
- Docker
Build Steps
For detailed build instructions, see the CONTRIBUTING.md guide.
Verify Installation
Agent Setup
Configure Container Use with your coding agent. Choose your agent below:
cu stdio
Install Claude Code
Add MCP Configuration
Add Agent Rules (Optional)
Save the CLAUDE.md file at the root of your repository:
Trust Only Container Use Tools (Optional)
For maximum security, restrict Claude Code to only use Container Use tools:
Learn more: Claude Code MCP Documentation
Install Claude Code
Add MCP Configuration
Add Agent Rules (Optional)
Save the CLAUDE.md file at the root of your repository:
Trust Only Container Use Tools (Optional)
For maximum security, restrict Claude Code to only use Container Use tools:
Learn more: Claude Code MCP Documentation
Install MCP Server
Use the one-click deeplink to install (requires Cursor and Container Use already installed):
Add Agent Rules
Add the rules file to your project or home directory:
Learn more: Cursor MCP Documentation
Method 1: Configuration File
Add to ~/.config/goose/config.yaml
:
Method 2: Interactive Setup
Then add a command line extension with cu stdio
as the command.
Method 3: Goose Desktop
Paste this URL into your browser:
Learn more: Goose MCP Extensions
Container Use works with many coding agents through the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
Complete Agent List
See setup guides for all supported agents including Amazon Q Developer, VSCode, Cline, Qodo Gen, and more
Quick Setup for Any Agent
Most agents follow this pattern:
- Add MCP Server: Configure your agent to use
cu stdio
as an MCP server - Add Rules (Optional): Download agent rules from our repository
- Verify: Ensure your agent recognizes Container Use tools
All agents use the same MCP server command: cu stdio
Your First Environment
Now let’s create your first containerized environment and see Container Use in action!
Setting Up a Demo Project
Let’s start with a fresh repository:
Creating Your First Environment
Ask your agent to create something simple:
Create a hello world app in python using flask
Your agent will work in an isolated environment and respond with something like:
Navigate to the provided URL to see your app running!
Understanding What Happened
Notice that your local directory is still empty:
This is because the agent worked in an isolated environment. Your local files are untouched.
Exploring Environments
List all environments:
Viewing the Development Log
See exactly what your agent did with cu log
:
Reviewing the Code
See exactly what files were created with cu diff
:
Exploring the Environment
Option 1: Check Out Locally
Bring the environment’s work into your local Git workspace:
Now you can explore the files in your IDE, make changes, or continue development.
Option 2: Drop Into the Container
Get a terminal inside the exact environment your agent used:
This gives you the same Python environment, dependencies, and setup your agent used.
Merging the Work
Once you’re satisfied with the agent’s work, merge it into your main branch:
Essential Commands
Here are the key commands you’ll use regularly:
Success! 🎉
You’ve successfully:
- ✅ Installed Container Use
- ✅ Configured your agent
- ✅ Created your first environment
- ✅ Explored the development process
- ✅ Learned the essential commands
Your coding agent now has its own containerized playground. No more babysitting - let your agents work safely and independently!
Next Steps
Multiple Agents
Try running multiple agents simultaneously on different tasks
Complete Agent List
See setup guides for all supported agents
Join Community
Share your experience and get help in #container-use