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The Kernel CLI helps you access and manage your Kernel resources.

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Installation

# Using brew
brew install onkernel/tap/kernel

# Using pnpm
pnpm install -g @onkernel/cli

# Using npm
npm install -g @onkernel/cli
Verify installation: 
which kernel
kernel --version

Create Kernel App

Scaffold new Kernel apps from templates.

Authentication

Login, logout, and check auth status.

Browsers

Create, view, and manage Kernel browsers.

Apps

Deploy apps, invoke actions, and stream logs.

Managed Auth

Manage auth connections, credentials, and credential providers.

Extensions

Upload, download, and build browser extensions.

MCP

Install Kernel MCP server configuration for AI tools.

Projects

Manage projects and scope commands with --project.

API Keys

Create, list, rename, and delete API keys.

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Quick Start

# 1) Create a new app
kernel create

# 2) Login
kernel login

# 3) Deploy your app
kernel deploy index.ts

# 4) Invoke your app
kernel invoke my-app action-name --payload '{"key":"value"}'

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Global Flags

  • --version, -v - Print the CLI version
  • --no-color - Disable color output
  • --log-level <level> - Set the log level (trace, debug, info, warn, error, fatal, print)
  • --project <id> - Scope the request to a specific project by ID. The value is forwarded verbatim as the X-Kernel-Project-Id header, so pass an ID (not a name). Also reads the KERNEL_PROJECT env var.

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JSON Output

Many commands support --output json (or -o json) for machine-readable output, useful for scripting and automation: 
# Get browser session as JSON
kernel browsers create -o json

# List apps as JSON array
kernel app list -o json

# Deploy with JSONL streaming (one JSON object per line)
kernel deploy index.ts -o json
See individual command documentation for JSON output availability.

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Utility Commands

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kernel status

Check the operational status of Kernel services.
  • --output json, -o json - Output raw JSON object.

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kernel upgrade

Upgrade the Kernel CLI to the latest version.
  • --dry-run - Show what would be executed without running it.

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kernel completion <shell>

Generate a shell autocompletion script (bash, zsh, fish, or powershell). 
# Load completions for the current zsh session
source <(kernel completion zsh)
Looking for the API? See the API Reference.

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Skills

The Kernel CLI has a companion skills file that AI coding agents (Cursor, Claude, Windsurf, etc.) can use to learn the CLI’s commands and capabilities. Copy the prompt from the homepage or point your agent directly at the skill file to get started.