Docs/Quick Start

Quick Start

Get lina-router running and start coding with free AI in under 5 minutes. No credit card, no complicated config.

~5 minRequires Node.js 18+
01

Install lina-router

Install lina-router globally via npm. This gives you the lina-router CLI command and auto-opens the dashboard.

Terminal
npm install -g lina-router

After install, run lina-router to launch the dashboard.

Terminal
lina-router

Dashboard opens at: http://localhost:20128/dashboard

02

Open the Dashboard

Your browser should open automatically. If not, navigate to:

Browser
http://localhost:20128/dashboard

Screenshot placeholder

lina-router dashboard view

03

Connect a Free Provider

In the dashboard, go to Providers and connect one of the free options. No credit card needed.

K
Kiro AIRecommended

Free unlimited Claude access. No signup required.

O
OpenCode FreeNo auth

No authentication needed. Instant access.

V
Vertex AI$300 free

Google's $300 free credits. Requires Google account.

04

Configure Your CLI Tool

Go to Providers → Your connected provider → API Key in the dashboard. Copy the key, then configure your tool:

Claude Code

Claude Code
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:20128/v1
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=<your-lina-router-api-key>
claude

Or see the full Claude Code setup guide →

Cursor / Cline / Others

Any AI tool settings
Endpoint:  http://localhost:20128/v1
API Key:   <your-lina-router-api-key>
Model:     kr/claude-sonnet-4.5
05

Start Coding

Open your AI coding tool and start a task. RTK Token Saver activates automatically — tool outputs are compressed before they reach the model.

Token savings in real-time

git diff output
~4,200 tok~2,600 tok-38%
ls -la output
~800 tok~480 tok-40%

You're set! ✦

lina-router handles routing, fallback, and token savings automatically.

Next steps

Claude Code

Detailed config

RTK Saver

Input compression

Caveman Mode

Output savings