Zcode Tutorial: How to Use Zcode Step-by-Step (The Easiest Way to Do AI Coding)
Zcode Tutorial: How to Use Zcode Step-by-Step (The Easiest Way to Do AI Coding)
If you’ve ever wanted to try AI-assisted coding but got stuck at the very first step — installing dependencies, configuring environments, and fighting with the command line — you’re not alone.
Most developers love what AI coding tools can do…
But they hate setting them up.
Zcode was built exactly to solve that problem.
Instead of forcing you to work in a dark terminal window, Zcode brings powerful AI coding agents like Claude Code, Gemini CLI, and Aider into a clean, visual, desktop environment. No complex setup, no painful configuration — just open and code.
This guide will walk you through:
- What Zcode is
- Key features
- Installation
- First-time setup
- Real usage workflow
- Who should use it
- FAQs
💡 If you plan to deploy AI apps or coding projects online, using a stable VPS like LightNode VPS can give you fast performance, global data centers, and flexible billing — very friendly for testing and production.
What is Zcode?
Zcode is a lightweight AI-powered coding IDE created by Zhipu AI.
Think of it as:
A visual, desktop version of Claude Code / Gemini / Aider — with zero command line required.
You only need:
- Zcode installed
- An API Key
Then you're ready to use top AI coding agents instantly.
👉 Official Website (VPN required):
https://zcode-ai.com/
Key Features of Zcode
1️⃣ Full Visual Interface — No CLI Needed
Normally, if you want to use AI coding tools like Claude Code, you need to:
- Install dependencies
- Configure environments
- Work in terminal
With Zcode, you simply:
- Select the AI agent
- Click to start
- Begin coding
That’s it.
2️⃣ Conversation + Version Control Combined
Most AI coding tools generate code…
But they don’t help when things go wrong.
Zcode does.
Every conversation isn’t just chat history —
it’s a complete code snapshot.
You can:
✔ Automatically save checkpoints
✔ Review code changes like Git Diff
✔ Roll back to any previous state
✔ Rewrite instructions and create new branches
This gives you real control over your project, even when AI is driving.
3️⃣ MCP (Model Context Protocol) Support
This is one of Zcode’s strongest professional features.
MCP lets AI:
- Perform real-time web search
- Read documentation
- Understand UI screenshots
- Connect to your databases / APIs
Before using MCP, you’ll need an API Key:
https://bigmodel.cn/usercenter/proj-mgmt/apikeys
How to Install Zcode
1️⃣ Go to the official website
https://zcode-ai.com/
2️⃣ Download for your system:
- Windows
- macOS
3️⃣ Install normally like any desktop application.
First-Time Setup: How to Use Zcode
Step 1: Choose Your AI Agent
Open Zcode → Select the model you want:
- Claude Code
- Gemini
- Zhipu AI models
- Or other supported providers
Step 2: Configure Your API Key
Go to:
Settings → API Key → Paste your key → Save
If you’re using Zhipu AI:
- Login to z.ai
- Make sure your account has balance
- Authorize
Step 3: Create or Import a Project
You can:
- Create a new project
- Open an existing local project
- Continue your current codebase
Step 4: Start AI Coding
Simply describe what you want:
“Build a login page”
“Convert this layout to dark mode”
“Optimize this function”
Zcode automatically:
✔ Analyzes the project
✔ Finds the right files
✔ Modifies your code
No manual file searching.
Step 5: Roll Back Anytime
If something breaks?
No panic 😅
Just:
- Open history
- View changes
- Roll back any checkpoint
- Or branch from a past moment
You stay in control.
Who Is Zcode For?
Zcode is great for:
✔ Independent developers & solo founders
Build MVPs 10x faster.
✔ Frontend engineers
No more switching constantly between editor & browser.
✔ AI developers
Enhance productivity with smarter workflows.
✔ Product managers
Review logic, generate docs, and understand code even if you don’t code daily.
FAQ
Is Zcode free?
The app can be used directly.
However, models require:
- API keys
- Platform balance or subscription
Do I need programming experience?
Not strictly.
- Beginners can build demos
- Developers get massive productivity boosts
How is Zcode better than VSCode plugins?
Zcode is more than an editor plugin.
It is:
- An AI IDE
- A dedicated AI development environment
- Much more beginner-friendly
Will AI break my code?
Sometimes, yes — that’s normal when experimenting 😄
But Zcode gives you:
✔ Checkpoints
✔ Diff review
✔ Safe rollback
✔ Branch control
So you never lose your project.
Final Thoughts
If you:
- Hate complex setups
- Don’t enjoy command-line tools
- Want a truly smooth AI coding experience
Then Zcode is one of the best tools you can try right now.
👉 Official Full Guide
https://zhipu-ai.feishu.cn/wiki/VpgrwtBcyiU59zk9fMEcm2sFnee