Install Continue CLI

Make sure you have Node.js 18 or higher installed.

Installation

Install Continue CLI globally using npm:

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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
Headless Mode

Interactive development sessionsStart a conversation with AI in your terminal:

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

Perfect for exploration, debugging, and iterative development.

Automation and scriptingSingle commands that return results:

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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
cn Headless Mode

For interactive development and exploration:

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cn login

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

Test TUI Mode

Start an interactive session:

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cn

Try asking a question:

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> Tell me about the CLI

For automation workflows and scripting:

Get API Key for Automation

For automation workflows, get an API key:

Visit Continue Mission Control API Keys
Click ”+ New API Key”
Copy the API key immediately (you won’t see it again!)
Login using your Continue account

Add Secrets for Workflows

Store secure credentials for CLI workflows:

Visit Continue Mission Control Secrets
Add your API keys and sensitive data
Reference in configurations with ${{ secrets.SECRET_NAME }}

Test Headless Mode

Try headless mode for automation:

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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

Getting Started

Mission Control

Agents

CLI

Help

Install Continue CLI

Installation

Two Ways to Use Continue CLI

Setup

What’s Next?

Quick Start Guide

Create your first workflow

Getting Help

Getting Started

Mission Control

Agents

CLI

Help

​Installation

​Two Ways to Use Continue CLI

​Setup

​What’s Next?

Quick Start Guide

Create your first workflow

​Getting Help

Installation

Two Ways to Use Continue CLI

Setup

What’s Next?

Getting Help