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Installation

Install the C3 backend server on your development machine.

Prerequisites

Before installing C3, ensure you have the following:

  • At least one AI coding agent CLI — Install one or more of the following:
    • Claude Code — Anthropic's coding agent. Requires a Pro/Max subscription or API key
    • OpenCode — Open-source multi-provider agent Beta
    • Codex — OpenAI's autonomous coding agent Beta
  • npm or Bun — Required for npm installation (not needed for standalone binary)

AI Agent CLI Required

C3 acts as a mobile interface for AI coding agents. You must have at least one agent CLI installed and configured on your machine before using C3:

Install Backend

Install the C3 backend server globally using npm:

Terminal
npm install -g @naarang/ccc

This installs the ccc command globally, making it available from any directory on your system.

Standalone Binary (Beta)

If you don't have npm or Bun installed, you can use the standalone binary. The install script automatically detects your platform and downloads the appropriate binary — no dependencies required.

macOS / Linux

Terminal
curl -fsSL https://getc3.app/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell)

PowerShell
irm https://getc3.app/install.ps1 | iex

The binary is installed to ~/.local/bin. The script will guide you to add this to your PATH if needed.

Binary Builds Are Beta

The standalone binary distribution is currently in beta. For the most stable experience, we recommend using the npm installation method above.

Beta Builds

Want to try the latest features before they're released? Install the beta version:

Terminal
npm install -g @naarang/ccc@beta

Beta App Required

Beta backend builds require the beta version of the mobile app to ensure compatibility. Join the beta programs to get access:

Verify Installation

After installation, verify everything is working:

Terminal
ccc --version

You should see output like:

ccc v3.x.x

You can also view all available options with:

Terminal
ccc --help

Updating C3

To update to the latest version, run the same command you used to install:

# npm installation
npm install -g @naarang/ccc@latest

# Standalone binary (macOS / Linux)
curl -fsSL https://getc3.app/install.sh | bash

# Standalone binary (Windows)
irm https://getc3.app/install.ps1 | iex

Next Steps

Now that you have C3 installed, choose how you want to connect:

Local Network Setup

Connect when your phone and computer are on the same WiFi network. Simplest option for home use.

Remote Access Setup

Connect from anywhere using ngrok. Perfect for working on the go or from different networks.

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