> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.smew.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SmewAI Guide

> A practical introduction to SmewAI, Codex, GPT access, and common setup questions.

***

## Contents

* [Why SmewAI exists](#why-smewai-exists)
* [What these tools actually are](#what-these-tools-actually-are)
* [What a terminal is](#what-a-terminal-is)
* [Where these tools run](#where-these-tools-run)
* [What an API is](#what-an-api-is)
* [Why many people still struggle to use these tools well](#why-many-people-still-struggle-to-use-these-tools-well)
* [What SmewAI is](#what-smewai-is)
* [How to troubleshoot errors step by step](#how-to-troubleshoot-errors-step-by-step)
* [How to register and buy balance](#how-to-register-and-buy-balance)
* [How to install and configure tools](#how-to-install-and-configure-tools)
* [Beginner workflow guide](#beginner-workflow-guide)

***

## Why SmewAI exists

More people now know about AI coding tools such as:

* OpenAI `Codex`
* OpenAI `GPT` models

The real problem for many users is not whether these tools are powerful. It is whether they can be used reliably without a high setup cost.

Common barriers include:

* difficult network conditions
* payment friction
* long setup steps
* API costs that feel hard to predict

SmewAI exists to reduce that friction.

***

## What these tools actually are

### What is OpenAI?

OpenAI is one of the best-known companies in AI coding workflows. Many of the tools in this docs site build on GPT or Codex capabilities.

### What is ChatGPT?

`ChatGPT` is the conversation-style product most users first encounter in the browser.

### What is Codex?

`Codex` is an AI assistant that works inside your terminal and can participate directly in real work.

It can:

* inspect code and edit files
* analyze errors
* summarize docs
* help with repetitive local tasks

***

## What a terminal is

A terminal is a window where you type commands into your computer.

This matters because **Codex runs in the terminal**.

### How to open it

**Windows**

* Press `Win` and search for `Terminal`
* Or search for `PowerShell`
* Or press `Win + R` and type `cmd`

**Mac**

* Press `Command + Space` and search for `Terminal`
* Or open `Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal`

***

## Where these tools run

These workflows combine your local computer with a cloud model.

* `Your computer`: opens the terminal, sends commands, shows results
* `Cloud model`: understands the request and generates the response

***

## What an API is

Here, an API is the channel your local tools use to talk to the model.

Terminal tools such as `Codex` send requests through an API and then return the response back to you.

***

## Why many people still struggle to use these tools well

### Official solutions are not always a great fit

The difficulty is often not just price. It can also be about payment options, network reliability, and setup complexity.

### API access is flexible, but costs can feel hard to control

Without a clear gateway, model grouping, and billing view, beginners can spend money before they feel confident using the tools.

***

## What SmewAI is

SmewAI is designed to make GPT and Codex-style capabilities easier to access with lower operational friction.

It helps answer questions like:

* how to reduce setup cost
* how to avoid network and payment hassle
* how to make terminal tools approachable for beginners
* how to keep costs more predictable
* how to make setup easier on both Windows and Mac

> In one sentence: SmewAI helps ordinary users adopt mainstream GPT coding tools with a lower barrier.

***

## How to troubleshoot errors step by step

When you hit an error, solve one problem at a time.

Useful context to include:

1. what you are trying to do
2. what command you just ran
3. the full terminal error output
4. whether you are on Windows, macOS, or Linux

If possible, include a full terminal screenshot.

***

## How to register and buy balance

### Register

Create your account at [https://smew.ai/register](https://smew.ai/register).

### Recharge

After signing in, you can top up balance in the console and review model groups and billing details. See the [FAQ](/faq) for more details.

***

## How to install and configure tools

### Step 1: Install Node.js

Follow the guides in the left sidebar for your environment.

### Step 2: Create an API key

Open [SmewAI Console](https://smew.ai/keys) and create an API key for your GPT or Codex group.

### Step 3: Install Codex

```bash theme={null} theme={null}
npm install -g @openai/codex@latest
```

### Step 4: Configure Codex

You can configure it manually or follow the quickstart page in this docs site.

### Step 5: Verify that it works

```bash theme={null} theme={null}
codex --version
codex
```

***

## Beginner workflow guide

### How to start Codex

Open your project directory and run:

```bash theme={null} theme={null}
codex
```

### Good first prompts

* `Summarize the current project structure.`
* `Explain how this repository is started.`
* `Find the most likely cause of this error.`
* `Give me a plan first and do not edit code yet.`

### Beginner advice

* start with small tasks
* paste the full error output when something fails
* ask for a plan before large changes
* check the diff and test results after each round