# Quickstart

Get your AI coding assistant connected to Archer Protocol in under 5 minutes. This guide uses Claude Code as the example, but Archer's MCP server works with any MCP-compatible client.

## Step 1: Create an Account

Sign up at [app.archerprotocol.com](https://app.archerprotocol.com). Archer creates embedded wallets (EVM + Solana) for you automatically on signup.

## Step 2: Create an API Key

1. Go to [Developer Portal](https://app.archerprotocol.com/developer)
2. Click **Create API Key**
3. Give it a name (e.g., "My Claude Code key")
4. Select scopes: `read`, `quote`, `swap`, `bridge`, `send`
5. Copy the key — it's shown only once

## Step 3: Connect Claude Code

Add Archer to your project's `.mcp.json` (or `~/.claude.json` for global access):

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "archer": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@archerprotocol/mcp-client@latest"],
      "env": {
        "ARCHER_API_KEY": "arch_your_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

That's it. The `@archerprotocol/mcp-client` package bridges your local AI assistant to Archer's remote MCP server. No manual proxy setup required.

## Step 4: Start Using It

Open Claude Code and try these prompts:

```
> What's the price of ETH?
> Show my balances across all chains
> Quote swapping 100 USDC to ETH on Arbitrum
> Swap 50 USDC to ETH on Base
```

For transaction operations (swap, bridge, send), open [app.archerprotocol.com](https://app.archerprotocol.com/developer) to review and approve the transaction in the Pending Approvals section.

## Using Other Clients?

Archer's MCP server works with all major AI coding tools. See the [Client Setup Guide](https://archer-bot.gitbook.io/archer.bot/for-builders/overview/client-setup) for configuration instructions for:

* Claude Desktop
* Cursor
* VS Code / GitHub Copilot
* Windsurf
* Cline
* Continue
* Goose
* GitHub Copilot CLI

## Next Steps

* [MCP Server Overview](https://archer-bot.gitbook.io/archer.bot/for-builders/overview) — how the MCP server works
* [Tools Reference](https://archer-bot.gitbook.io/archer.bot/for-builders/overview/tools-reference) — all available tools and their parameters
* [Developer Portal](https://archer-bot.gitbook.io/archer.bot/for-builders/developer-portal) — API key management, approvals, and usage tracking


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