# Getting started ## Installation On Mac and Linux, the easiest way to install `jrnl` is using [Homebrew](http://brew.sh/): ``` sh brew install jrnl ``` On other platforms, install `jrnl` using [Python](https://www.python.org/) 3.6+ and [pipx](https://pipxproject.github.io/pipx/): ``` sh pipx install jrnl ``` !!! note `pipx` should be installed through either `brew` or `pip`. Missing dependencies and other issues may occur when installing `pipx` through `apt` or another package manager. Further installation instructions can be found in [pipx's documentation](https://pipxproject.github.io/pipx/installation/). !!! tip Do not use `sudo` while installing `jrnl`. This may lead to path issues. The first time you run `jrnl` you will be asked where your journal file should be created and whether you wish to encrypt it. ## Quickstart To make a new entry, just type ``` text jrnl yesterday: Called in sick. Used the time to clean, and spent 4h on writing my book. ``` and hit return. `yesterday:` will be interpreted as a time stamp. Everything until the first sentence mark (`.?!:`) will be interpreted as the title, the rest as the body. In your journal file, the result will look like this: ``` output 2012-03-29 09:00 Called in sick. Used the time to clean the house and spent 4h on writing my book. ``` If you just call `jrnl`, you will be prompted to compose your entry - but you can also [configure](advanced.md) *jrnl* to use your external editor.