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10 min

Install and configure the Helios CLI

Install one binary, run `helios configure`, and go from an API key to a running workflow in your terminal. Every command prints JSON when piped.

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  1. 01

    Install the binary

    The CLI ships as a single binary for macOS and Linux. Run the install script from the CLI docs, then check it with `helios version`. `helios doctor` checks that your machine is ready.

  2. 02

    Create an API key in the dashboard

    The CLI signs in with an API key. Create one in the Helios dashboard first. Browser login from the terminal is not available yet.

  3. 03

    Run helios configure

    `helios configure` asks for the API key, then a project. Progress is saved to `~/.helios/onboarding.json`, so you can stop and resume. `helios configure --redo <step>` repeats one step.

  4. 04

    Set the active project

    Every command is scoped to a project. Switch with `helios project use`, set `HELIOS_PROJECT`, or pass `--project` on one command. `helios auth whoami` shows the project and your role.

  5. 05

    Open the terminal app

    Run `helios` with no arguments for the full-screen app. The home screen shows recent chats and a new chat input. `^p` opens the command palette. Workflows can be searched, triggered with `t`, and shared with `s`.

  6. 06

    Connect integrations from the terminal

    `helios integration connect` starts an OAuth or Claude account connection and `helios integration wait` polls until it is ready. Integrations that use a pasted key, such as Stripe or Resend, still connect from the dashboard.

  7. 07

    Script it

    Every command prints JSON when its output is piped. `helios share`, `helios group`, and `helios service-account` manage access from scripts. `helios code iac scaffold`, `export`, and `apply` manage environments as YAML.

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