Skip to main content

Quick Start

This guide shows how to get started with Rabetbase CLI 2.0 in both new and existing projects.

The current content has been verified against rabetbase-cli v2.1.6 and @lovrabet/cli-framework v1.0.3. Recent versions bundle a jq binary directly in the CLI, so --jq now resolves in the order JQ_PATH -> bundled jq -> jq on PATH. In most cases you no longer need to install jq separately, and the install flow no longer depends on GitHub binary downloads.

If you are already using AI coding tools such as Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Trae, or Windsurf, you can simply copy the prompt below into your AI assistant. It will install the CLI, install the Skill, and handle authentication — you only need to help with browser authorization or project confirmation when prompted.

Prompt (copy and paste into your AI assistant):

Please install Rabetbase CLI: https://www.lovrabet.com/agent-install-guides/rabetbase-cli.md

Supported AI Agent tools: Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Trae, Windsurf, GitHub Copilot, OpenCode, Hermes Agent, OpenClaw

💡 If you prefer to control each step yourself, or do not use an AI Agent tool, continue with the manual installation below.

Manual Install​

For: First-time Rabetbase CLI users on a machine that has never installed any previous version.

>> Click here for the installation video walkthrough

1.1 Install the CLI​

Package: @lovrabet/rabetbase-cli

# Global install (recommended)
npm install -g @lovrabet/rabetbase-cli@latest

# Verify the installation
rabetbase --version

Latest version: npm version

1.2 Install the Rabetbase Skill​

The recommended way is to use the built-in CLI entry:

rabetbase skill install

If you prefer the raw skills command, you can still run:

npx skills add lovrabet/rabetbase -g -y

A global install is recommended so AI assistants can use rabetbase from any project directory.

1.3 Authentication​

rabetbase auth login

A browser window will open for OAuth login. The CLI saves the session automatically, and one login works across projects.

1.4 Initialize a Project​

Initialize an existing project directory:

cd your-project/
rabetbase project init

Create a brand-new project from scratch:

rabetbase project create

1.5 Quick Verification​

rabetbase doctor
rabetbase schema --format compress
rabetbase app list --format compress

If you want to verify that --jq is already available, run:

rabetbase schema --format compress --jq '.data.cli.version'

2. Upgrade from CLI 1.x​

For: Machines that still have Lovrabet CLI 1.x installed, with older projects using the legacy CLI.

2.1 Install the New CLI​

# Global install (recommended)
npm install -g @lovrabet/rabetbase-cli@latest

# Verify the installation
rabetbase --version

2.2 Remove the Old Lovrabet CLI 1.x​

npm uninstall -g @lovrabet/cli

2.3 Auto-upgrade Old Projects​

>> Click here for the upgrade screencast demo

Run this in each old project directory:

rabetbase project upgrade

The command automatically performs the following migration steps:

StepAction
1.lovrabet.json -> .rabetbase.json
2Delete .lovrabet/
3Remove legacy IDE Skill files
4Clean up old MCP config (lovrabet-dataset)
5Remove the old Skill lovrabet/lovrabet-skill
6Install the new Skill lovrabet/rabetbase

2.4 Manual Fallback Upgrade​

If the auto-upgrade fails, use this sequence:

# 1. Remove the old Skill
npx skills remove lovrabet

# 2. Install the new Skill
rabetbase skill install

If your Claude Code or IDE still contains the old MCP entry, remove it as well:

claude mcp remove lovrabet-dataset

3. Most Important Changes in This Round​

  • --jq is now more reliable: The latest build bundles jq as a sidecar, so installation no longer depends on node-jq downloading binaries from GitHub.
  • You can inspect real data directly from the dev CLI: rabetbase data filter and rabetbase data getOne are now part of the official command surface.
  • Skill installation is more consistent: You can now simply run rabetbase skill install without remembering the lower-level npx skills add ... form.

4. Checklist​

Fresh Install​

  • Install CLI: npm install -g @lovrabet/rabetbase-cli@latest
  • Install Skill: rabetbase skill install
  • Authenticate: rabetbase auth login
  • Initialize the project: rabetbase project init or rabetbase project create
  • Verify: rabetbase doctor

Upgrade from 1.x​

Per machine (do once per machine)

  • Install the new CLI: npm install -g @lovrabet/rabetbase-cli@latest
  • Remove the old CLI: npm uninstall -g @lovrabet/cli
  • Remove the old Skill: npx skills remove lovrabet
  • Remove the old MCP: claude mcp remove lovrabet-dataset
  • Install the new Skill: rabetbase skill install
  • Re-authenticate: rabetbase auth login

Per project (do once per project)

  • Auto-upgrade: rabetbase project upgrade

5. Next Steps​