The simplest way to really start, use anything like claude code, vs code, cursor, antigratvity, (or any other IDE) ask them to install ollama and pull the latest solid local model that was released that you can run based on your computer specs.

Wait 5-10 minutes, and should be done.

It genuinely is that simple.

You can even use local models using claude code or codex infrastrucutre (MASSIVE UNLOCK), but you need solid GPU(s) to run decent models. So that's the downside.