CLI reference

Install the matching CLI through Settings → AI Management where possible. This reference is for direct command-line use. The CLI shares your real desktop library. Write commands are not a simulation.

Standalone installation

The official scripts install the latest public release. Desktop v1.0.0 is now available; the scripts use the published manifest to select the CLI for your system and architecture.

macOS / Linux:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/qufei1993/skills-hub/main/scripts/install-cli.sh | bash

Windows x64 PowerShell:

irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/qufei1993/skills-hub/main/scripts/install-cli.ps1 | iex

The scripts verify SHA-256 checksums and configure a user-level command directory: ~/.local/bin on macOS/Linux, or %LOCALAPPDATA%\SkillsHub\bin on Windows. Node.js and npm are not required. Linux requires glibc 2.39 or later.

Open a new terminal, then verify:

skillshub-cli version --json
skillshub-cli --help

Standalone installation does not automatically install the official AI Management Skill. Run the installer again to upgrade. This CLI is maintained separately from the desktop-managed CLI. To uninstall the standalone CLI, remove its executable from its installation directory. The library remains.

Query and install

Start with read-only commands:

skillshub-cli --json agents list
skillshub-cli --json skills list
skillshub-cli --json skills search "testing"
skillshub-cli --json doctor

In the examples below, replace SKILL_ID with an ID returned by the list command. Replace SOURCE with a Git URL or local path, and SKILL_PATH with a Skill directory inside the repository. Do not run placeholder arguments unchanged.

skillshub-cli --json skills show SKILL_ID
skillshub-cli --json skills status SKILL_ID
skillshub-cli --json skills install SOURCE
skillshub-cli --json skills install SOURCE --subpath SKILL_PATH

skills install adds content to the library. Distribution uses a separate command. The official AI Skill combines operations according to your request.

The CLI has no collection subcommand such as collections install. For website collections, the official management Skill calls existing installation, tag, and deployment commands for each entry, preserving its exact source commit. See AI Management.

Distribute and update

Preview distribution before applying it:

skillshub-cli --json skills deploy SKILL_ID --agent codex --dry-run
skillshub-cli --json skills deploy SKILL_ID --agent codex

Repeat --agent for multiple targets. On macOS/Linux, compatible tools accept --project /absolute/project/path. Use skills undeploy with the same selection arguments to remove distribution while keeping the library entry.

skillshub-cli --json skills check SKILL_ID
skillshub-cli --json skills update SKILL_ID
skillshub-cli --json skills check --all

Run skills update --all only after reviewing the batch check and deciding to apply it. Update does not accept --dry-run or --yes. Do not invent a --force flag.

Adopt, tag, and remove

Preview directory adoption and removal first:

skillshub-cli --json skills adopt /absolute/agent/skills --dry-run
skillshub-cli --json skills remove SKILL_ID --dry-run

After reviewing and confirming the affected scope, replace --dry-run with --yes to apply the same operation. Removal moves the Skill to the local recycle bin.

skillshub-cli --json skills tag add SKILL_ID testing
skillshub-cli --json skills tag list SKILL_ID
skillshub-cli --json skills tag remove SKILL_ID testing

Tags also support set, rename, and delete. Read each subcommand's --help for arguments. Tag deletion also supports a --dry-run preview followed by --yes. Use setup --agent codex to configure the official Skill. Preview removal from the tool with setup --agent codex --remove --dry-run.

Errors and boundaries

OPERATION_BUSY means another write operation is active. Wait before retrying. TARGET_CONFLICT requires a review of tool-target conflicts and local content. CONFIRMATION_REQUIRED requires a plan review, while PLAN_STALE requires a new preview. Do not delete locks, edit the database directly, or bypass path protection.

Use the desktop app for device sync, authorization, schedules, settings, app updates, and recycle-bin restoration. Never put Tokens or private keys in command arguments. Run skillshub-cli skills --help for the available command list.