Install Continue CLI

Get Continue CLI installed and configured for command-line AI coding assistance and automation

Installation

macOS / Linux

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/continuedev/continue/main/extensions/cli/scripts/install.sh | bash

Windows

irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/continuedev/continue/main/extensions/cli/scripts/install.ps1 | iex

Or install directly with npm if you already have Node.js 20+:

npm i -g @continuedev/cli

Two Ways to Use Continue CLI

Quick Overview: Continue CLI works in two modes - TUI for interactive conversations or headless for automated commands.

TUI Mode

Interactive development sessions

Start a conversation with AI in your terminal:

cn
> @src/app.js Generate unit tests for this component

Perfect for exploration, debugging, and iterative development.

Headless Mode

Automation and scripting

Single commands that return results:

cn -p "Generate a commit message for current changes"
cn -p "Review the last 5 commits for issues"

Perfect for CI/CD, git hooks, and automated workflows.

Setup

cn TUI Mode

For interactive development and exploration:

1. Login to Continue CLI

   cn login
   

   This will open your browser to authenticate with Continue Mission Control.

2. Test TUI Mode

   Start an interactive session:

   cn
   

   Try asking a question:

   > Tell me about the CLI
   

cn Headless Mode

For automation workflows and scripting:

1. Get API Key for Automation

   For automation workflows, get an API key:

   1. Visit Continue Mission Control API Keys
   2. Click ”+ New API Key”
   3. Copy the API key immediately (you won’t see it again!)
   4. Login using your Continue account
2. Add Secrets for Workflows

   Store secure credentials for CLI workflows:

   1. Visit Continue Mission Control Secrets
   2. Add your API keys and sensitive data
   3. Reference in configurations with ${{ secrets.SECRET_NAME }}
3. Test Headless Mode

   Try headless mode for automation:

   cn -p "Generate a conventional commit message for the current git changes"
   

What’s Next?

Quick Start Guide

Learn basic usage with practical examples

Create your first workflow

Build automated workflows with Continue CLI

Getting Help

If you encounter issues:

• Ask for help in our discussions
• Report bugs on GitHub