Before you begin
- You need a computer running macOS, Windows or Linux.
- You need a Shisa AI account. You can create or connect one during setup.
- Start with a folder that is safe to experiment in. Keep a backup or use Git for important work.
1. What is a terminal?
A terminal is a text-based way to tell your computer what to do. You type a command and press Enter. Jouzu runs inside it. You do not need to memorize commands: this guide gives you the exact text to type.
How to open it
macOS
- 1.Press Command + Space.
- 2.Type Terminal.
- 3.Press Enter.
Windows
- 1.Open the Start menu.
- 2.Type Windows Terminal.
- 3.Choose Windows Terminal or PowerShell.
Linux
- 1.Open your applications menu and search for Terminal.
- 2.On many desktops, Ctrl + Alt + T also opens it.
2. Install Jouzu
Choose your computer
Install Node.js 22.19 or newer, Git and Bash first, then run this command in your terminal: Download Node.js
npm install -g jouzuWhen installation finishes, confirm that Jouzu is available:
jz --versionYou should see Jouzu and Pi version information.
3. Open a project folder
Jouzu can read and change files in the folder where you start it. The cd command moves your terminal into a folder. Replace the example path with your own.
cd ~/Documents/my-projectThen start Jouzu:
jzProject trust
4. Connect your Shisa AI account
Inside Jouzu, type the command below and press Enter. A browser window opens. Sign in, approve the connection and return to the terminal.
/login shisaAfter the browser says the connection succeeded, Jouzu refreshes the Shisa model catalog.
5. Choose a model
Open the model picker, choose a Shisa model and press Enter. If you are unsure, choose the default model shown by Jouzu.
/model/statusUse /status at any time to see the current model and folder.
6. Complete your first task
Start with a small, easy-to-check request. Tell Jouzu what you want, which file or area matters, and how you will know it is done.
Example first prompt
Read this project without changing files. Explain what it does, list the main folders, and tell me how to run its existing tests.Example follow-up
Now update the README with the test command you found. Show me the planned change before editing.Review before accepting
7. Useful commands
/status | Show the current folder, model and context use. |
|---|---|
/model | Choose a model. |
/settings | Change language, accounts, catalogs and other settings. |
/hotkeys | List shortcuts active in this terminal. |
/voice | Start or stop voice dictation. |
/scrollback | Export the conversation into terminal scrollback for searching. |
/bug | Prepare a reviewed public GitHub issue draft. |
/quit | Exit Jouzu. |
8. Troubleshooting
jz: command not found
Close and reopen the terminal after installation. Then run jz --version. If it still fails, run the installer again or check that your npm global bin folder is on PATH.
The browser login does not return to Jouzu
Return to the terminal after approving the connection. If it timed out, run /login shisa again. On a remote machine, use the manual URL or code shown in the terminal.
No Shisa models appear
Run /catalogs and refresh the Shisa catalog. You can also run /logout shisa, then /login shisa.
Jouzu is waiting or automatic work stopped
Run /flow. It explains held requests, waits and paused work, and shows the exact control needed to release them.
Voice input is unavailable
Voice requires a Shisa account with realtime speech access. Run /login shisa, then /voice devices to check microphones.
Windows installer is blocked
Verify that the publisher shown by Windows is Shisa Inc. and compare the download with the published SHA-256 checksum. Do not bypass a warning when the publisher does not match.
Run this outside Jouzu for a read-only diagnostic report:
jz doctor