CLI Essentials
The Bootspring CLI is your primary interface for local development. This guide covers the essential commands you'll use every day.
Installation
Verify installation:
One-Command Setup
The fastest way to get started:
This runs the entire workflow — detects your stack, creates seed templates, generates AI context files (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, CODEX.md, GEMINI.md), scaffolds planning/, and initializes the build loop. One command, done.
Core Commands
Initialize a Project
This creates .bootspring.json and links your directory to a Bootspring project.
Configure AI Assistants
Installs MCP entries for Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini CLI automatically.
Generate Context
Generate or regenerate AI context files:
Options:
Check Setup
Diagnose and fix common issues:
Build Loop Essentials
The daily workflow:
Queue synchronization and recovery:
Agent Commands
List Agents
Output:
Technical Agents
────────────────
frontend-expert React, Next.js, Vue, CSS, accessibility
backend-expert Node.js, APIs, server architecture
database-expert SQL, Prisma, MongoDB, schema design
...
Business Agents (Pro)
─────────────────────
growth-expert PLG, retention, metrics
fundraising-expert Pitch decks, investor outreach
...
Filter by category:
Search Agents
Output:
Matching Agents
───────────────
auth-expert JWT, Auth.js, Auth0, sessions
security-expert OWASP, auth, encryption, auditing
backend-expert Node.js, APIs, server architecture
Invoke an Agent
This opens an interactive session with the agent. Or use with the MCP server through your AI assistant.
Skill Commands
List Skills
Output:
Authentication (auth/)
──────────────────────
jwt First-party JWT session auth
nextauth NextAuth.js configuration
oauth OAuth provider integration
session Session management with JWT
...
Database (database/)
────────────────────
prisma-crud Prisma CRUD operations
queries Optimized query patterns
...
Filter by category:
Search Skills
Output:
Matching Skills
───────────────
payments/stripe Stripe setup
payments/checkout Checkout flow
payments/subscriptions Recurring billing
payments/webhooks Webhook handling
Show a Skill
Displays the full skill content with code examples.
Workflow Commands
List Workflows
Output:
Development Workflows
─────────────────────
feature-development End-to-end feature building
database-migration Safe database migrations
security-audit Comprehensive security review
Launch Pack (Pro)
─────────────────
launch/pre-launch Pre-launch checklist
launch/landing-page High-converting landing page
...
Start a Workflow
Check Workflow Status
Output:
Active Workflows
────────────────
ID: feat-dev-abc123
Name: feature-development
Status: Running
Phase: 3/5 (Implementation)
Started: 5 minutes ago
Resume/Pause Workflows
Quality Commands
Run Quality Gates
Output:
Quality Gate: pre-commit
════════════════════════
✓ TypeScript: No errors
✓ ESLint: 0 errors, 2 warnings
✓ Security: No vulnerabilities
✓ Format: All files formatted
Result: PASSED
Check Specific Files
Context Commands
View Context
Search Context
Dashboard Commands
Start Local Dashboard
Opens a local dashboard at http://localhost:3333 with:
- Project status
- Agent activity
- Workflow progress
- Quality results
Dashboard Options
Authentication Commands
Bootspring uses browser-based device flow authentication. Each directory is linked to a specific project.
Login
Opens your browser to:
- Authenticate with your account
- Select or create a project
- Link the current directory to that project
A .bootspring.json file is created in the current directory.
Check Auth Status
Output:
Authenticated as: user@example.com
Tier: Pro
Devices: 2/5 used
Project: my-app (from .bootspring.json)
Switch Projects
Logout
Clears global credentials from ~/.bootspring/. Does not remove local .bootspring.json files.
Configuration Commands
Validate Config
Show Effective Config
Reset Config
Update Command
Check for Updates
Update Bootspring
Common Workflows
Starting a New Project
Daily Development
Starting a Workflow
Command Reference
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
bootspring go | One-command setup (detect + seed + generate + build init) |
bootspring auth login | Authenticate |
bootspring setup | Configure MCP for AI assistants |
bootspring init | Initialize project |
bootspring generate | Generate AI context files |
bootspring doctor | Diagnose project issues |
bootspring build next | Start next task |
bootspring build done | Mark task complete |
bootspring build status | Check build progress |
bootspring seed go | Full seed workflow |
bootspring seed init | Create context templates |
bootspring agent list | List agents |
bootspring agent invoke <name> | Invoke agent |
bootspring skill search <q> | Search code patterns |
bootspring workflow list | List workflows |
bootspring quality <gate> | Run quality gate |
bootspring observe | Session intelligence |
bootspring commands | Show all 69+ commands |
Getting Help
Command Help
Verbose Output
Add --verbose or -v for detailed output:
Debug Mode
Environment Variables
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
BOOTSPRING_API_KEY | Your API key |
BOOTSPRING_DEBUG | Enable debug mode |
BOOTSPRING_PORT | Default server port |
BOOTSPRING_TIMEOUT | Request timeout (ms) |
Tips
Aliases
Add aliases to your shell config:
Auto-completion
Enable tab completion:
Quick Context Refresh
After significant changes:
Next Steps
- Troubleshooting - Common issues
- Configuration - Full config reference
- CLI Reference - Complete command docs