Quickstart

Five minutes from zero to first fix. Assumes you have a terminal, a git project, and a network connection.

1. Install

Linux / macOS / WSL:

curl -fsSL https://www.isonai.net/install-forge | bash

Windows PowerShell:

irm https://www.isonai.net/install-forge.ps1 | iex

The installer adds Node.js 20 if missing, downloads IsonForge into ~/.isonforge/cli/, verifies SHA256, and links isonforge into your PATH.

Restart your shell (or open a new PowerShell window on Windows) so PATH picks up.

2. Authenticate

isonforge auth login

This opens a browser to isonai.net/forge/auth. Sign in, return to the terminal, and your API key is saved to ~/.isonforge/config.json (mode 0600).

Headless server? Use manual entry:

isonforge auth login --manual

3. First prompt

cd into any project and run:

isonforge

The REPL opens. Try a small task:

> read the README and summarize what this project does in 3 sentences

IsonForge calls read_file, then answers. Tool calls show in a fenced box. Permissions for safe-read tools auto-approve; mutating tools (write_file, edit_file, bash) prompt you the first time.

4. First edit

Ask for a real change:

> add a 'health' route to the API that returns {ok: true} and write a test for it

IsonForge plans, edits multiple files, runs the test, and reports verified vs assumed. You see each diff inline. Use /undo to revert the last edit, or /checkpoint + /rollback for multi-step recovery.

5. Iterate

• Long task you can walk away from? isonforge --bg "audit every fetch call for missing await" then isonforge agents later.
• Want to research before editing? /plan on or start with --permission-mode plan. IsonForge can read and search but cannot write.
• Need deeper reasoning? /thinking on toggles the reasoning mode (slower TTFT, more careful answers).
• Working on multiple features? isonforge -w feature-auth opens an isolated worktree for that branch.

What to read next

• CLI reference - every flag.
• Slash commands - 30+ in-REPL commands.
• Memory + FORGE.md - persistent project instructions.
• Permission modes - control what IsonForge can do.
• Skills - bundle repeatable workflows.