From 47086c1c14dc519a9ccdc500925798bf8cf15ade Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: YeonGyu-Kim <code.yeon.gyu@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2026 12:00:59 +0900
Subject: [PATCH] =?UTF-8?q?docs(readme):=20fix=20cold-start=20quick-start?=
 =?UTF-8?q?=20sequence=20=E2=80=94=20set=20API=20key=20before=20prompt,=20?=
 =?UTF-8?q?add=20claw=20doctor=20step?=
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The previous quick start jumped from 'cargo build' to 'claw prompt' without
showing the required auth step or the health-check command. A user following
it linearly would fail because the prompt needs an API key.

Changes:
- Numbered steps: build -> set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY -> claw doctor -> prompt
- Windows note updated to show cargo run form as alternative
- Added explicit NOTE that Claude subscription login is not supported (pre-empts #claw-code FAQ)

Source: cold-start friction observed from mezz/mukduk and kapcomunica in #claw-code 2026-04-09.
---
 README.md | 24 +++++++++++++-----------
 1 file changed, 13 insertions(+), 11 deletions(-)

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4c669c1..f64498c 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -49,24 +49,26 @@ The canonical implementation lives in [`rust/`](./rust), and the current source
 > **`cargo install clawcode` will not work** — this package is not published on crates.io. Build from source as shown below.
 
 ```bash
+# 1. Clone and build
 git clone https://github.com/ultraworkers/claw-code
 cd claw-code/rust
 cargo build --workspace
-./target/debug/claw --help
-./target/debug/claw prompt "summarize this repository"
+
+# 2. Set your API key (Anthropic API key — not a Claude subscription)
+export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-..."
+
+# 3. Verify everything is wired correctly
+./target/debug/claw doctor
+
+# 4. Run a prompt
+./target/debug/claw prompt "say hello"
 ```
 
 > [!NOTE]
-> **Windows (PowerShell):** the binary is `claw.exe`, not `claw`. Use `.\target\debug\claw.exe` or just run `cargo run -- --help` to skip the path lookup.
+> **Windows (PowerShell):** the binary is `claw.exe`, not `claw`. Use `.\target\debug\claw.exe` or run `cargo run -- prompt "say hello"` to skip the path lookup.
 
-Authenticate with either an API key or the built-in OAuth flow:
-
-```bash
-export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-..."
-# or
-cd rust
-./target/debug/claw login
-```
+> [!NOTE]
+> **Auth:** claw requires an **API key** (`ANTHROPIC_API_KEY`, `OPENAI_API_KEY`, etc.) — Claude subscription login is not a supported auth path.
 
 Run the workspace test suite: