Getting started

This page covers getting started and basic operations. For more features and the latest changes, see the complete guide maintained by the Kimi Code team.

What is Kimi Code CLI

Kimi Code CLI is an AI agent that runs in the terminal, helping you carry out software development tasks and day-to-day terminal operations — reading and modifying code, running shell commands, searching files, fetching web pages, and autonomously planning and adjusting its next steps based on feedback as it works.

It fits scenarios such as:

• Writing and modifying code: implementing new features, fixing bugs, completing refactors
• Understanding a project: exploring an unfamiliar codebase and answering questions about architecture and implementation
• Automating tasks: batch-processing files, running builds and tests, chaining multiple scripts together

The CLI is written in TypeScript, distributed via npm, and runs on Node.js.

Installation

Two installation options are available: the official install script (recommended, no pre-installed Node.js required) and a global npm install.

Install script (recommended)

Bash

Powershell

On Windows, install Git for Windows before first launch. Kimi Code CLI uses the bundled Git Bash as its shell environment; if Git Bash is installed in a custom location, set KIMI_SHELL_PATH to the absolute path of bash.exe.

The script automatically downloads the latest release, verifies the checksum, and places the kimi executable on your PATH.

npm installation

Requires Node.js 22.19.0 or later:

Bash

Bash

Bash

First launch

Move into your project directory and run kimi to start the interactive UI:

Bash

To run a single instruction without entering the interactive UI, use -p:

Bash

To resume the previous session, add -c:

Bash

On first launch you need to configure an API source. In the interactive UI, enter /login to begin the login flow:

Text

/login opens a platform selector supporting two options:

• Kimi Code (OAuth) — device-code flow; open the link on any device, sign in, and enter the code to authorize
• Kimi Platform API key — enter an API key from platform.kimi.com or platform.kimi.ai

To sign out, enter /logout to clear the current credentials.

Your first conversation

Once logged in, describe a task in natural language. A good starting point is to let Kimi Code CLI familiarize itself with the project:

Text

Kimi Code CLI automatically calls file-reading, search, and other tools to browse the relevant content before responding. Read-only operations are executed automatically by default without requiring confirmation. For operations that modify files or run shell commands, it asks for your confirmation before proceeding.

You can also describe a more concrete task directly:

Text

Kimi Code CLI plans the steps, modifies the code, runs the tests, and tells you what it did at each step.

Common commands and keyboard shortcuts

For a first-time user, the following is all you need to know:

Session commands

Most-used keyboard shortcuts

For the full list, type /help or visit Slash commands reference and Keyboard shortcuts.

More operations

Interaction and basic operations. For upgrades, uninstalling, data locations, and troubleshooting, see the maintained guide.