Install the Kestrel CLI/TUI when you want the same 0.8 runtime and project workflows from a terminal. The supported 0.8 targets are macOS arm64 and Linux x64 with Node.js 22.
Support matrix
| Platform | Installation | 0.8 status |
|---|---|---|
| macOS arm64 | npm or standalone archive | supported |
| Linux x64 | npm | supported |
| Other platforms | source evaluation only | not release-verified |
Prerequisites
Install Node.js 22 and npm, confirm the terminal can run global npm binaries, and choose a project directory you are allowed to inspect and modify.
Install from npm
npm install -g @kestrel-agents/kestrel@0.8.8Verify version and runtime
kestrel --version
kestrel statusThe npm installation must report 0.8.8. Resolve provider, Local Core, or workspace readiness failures before starting real work.
Start the TUI
cd /path/to/project
kestrelStart with one bounded task and confirm that the terminal shows progress and one truthful terminal outcome.
Upgrade from 0.7
Run the exact install command again. Keep the existing local configuration and project/session stores; do not remove them as part of the package upgrade.
Install the macOS standalone archive
The Runtime/CLI v0.8.5 GitHub release provides the most recent standalone archive, kestrel-cli-0.8.5-darwin-arm64.tar.gz, and its checksum. It reports version 0.8.5; use npm for the current Runtime/CLI 0.8.8. Verify the checksum, unpack it into an owned location, and ensure it is earlier on PATH than an older installation.
Uninstall safely
Remove the global npm package or standalone files separately from local Kestrel state. Use the explicit uninstall workflow if you intend to inspect and remove owned state.
Troubleshooting
If the binary is missing, inspect npm’s global binary path. If startup fails, run kestrel status, verify Node.js 22, and continue with the CLI reference or Local Core bridge.