Getting Started

1. Install Bonsai

   brew install LastStep/tap/bonsai

   See the Installation page for other methods.

2. Initialize your project

   cd your-project
   bonsai init

   You’ll be prompted for:

   • Project name and description
   • Station directory (default station/)
   • Agent type (Tech Lead is always first)
   • Components to install — skills, workflows, sensors, routines

3. Add a code agent

   bonsai add

   Pick from backend, frontend, fullstack, devops, or security. Each gets its own workspace with domain-specific abilities.

4. Start working

   Open your project in Claude Code and start a session:

   You:    Hi, get started
   Agent:  [reads identity, checks memory, loads protocols, reviews status...]

Tip

That’s it. Your project now has a full agent workspace with cross-linked navigation, auto-enforced hooks, and shared project scaffolding. Open it in Claude Code and start working.

What happens during bonsai init

Bonsai generates everything: identity files, protocol docs, hook scripts, navigation tables, project scaffolding — all cross-linked with relative markdown paths that work in GitHub, VS Code, and Obsidian.

All commands

Command	What it does
bonsai init	Initialize project — station, scaffolding, Tech Lead agent
bonsai add	Add a code agent (interactive picker)
bonsai remove <agent>	Remove an agent (-d to delete files)
bonsai list	Show installed agents and components
bonsai catalog	Browse all available abilities
bonsai update	Detect custom files, re-render abilities, sync workspace
bonsai guide	Render the custom files guide in the terminal

Next steps

• Read How Bonsai Works to understand the architecture
• Browse the Catalog to see all available abilities
• Learn about Working With Agents for communication patterns