OpenHands / docs /usage /how-to /cli-mode.mdx
Backup-bdg's picture
Upload 964 files
51ff9e5 verified
raw
history blame
4.88 kB
---
title: CLI Mode
description: CLI mode provides a powerful interactive Command-Line Interface (CLI) that lets you engage with OpenHands directly from your terminal.
---
This mode is different from the [headless mode](./headless-mode), which is non-interactive and better for scripting.
## Getting Started
### Running with Python
1. Ensure you have followed the [Development setup instructions](https://github.com/All-Hands-AI/OpenHands/blob/main/Development.md).
2. Set your model, API key, and other preferences using environment variables or with the [`config.toml`](https://github.com/All-Hands-AI/OpenHands/blob/main/config.template.toml) file.
3. Launch an interactive OpenHands conversation from the command line:
```bash
poetry run python -m openhands.cli.main
```
This command opens an interactive prompt where you can type tasks or commands and get responses from OpenHands.
### Running with Docker
1. Set the following environment variables in your terminal:
- `SANDBOX_VOLUMES` to specify the directory you want OpenHands to access ([See using SANDBOX_VOLUMES for more info](../runtimes/docker#using-sandbox_volumes))
- `LLM_MODEL` - the LLM model to use (e.g. `export LLM_MODEL="anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-20250514"`)
- `LLM_API_KEY` - your API key (e.g. `export LLM_API_KEY="sk_test_12345"`)
2. Run the following command:
```bash
docker run -it \
--pull=always \
-e SANDBOX_RUNTIME_CONTAINER_IMAGE=docker.all-hands.dev/all-hands-ai/runtime:0.41-nikolaik \
-e SANDBOX_USER_ID=$(id -u) \
-e SANDBOX_VOLUMES=$SANDBOX_VOLUMES \
-e LLM_API_KEY=$LLM_API_KEY \
-e LLM_MODEL=$LLM_MODEL \
-v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock \
-v ~/.openhands-state:/.openhands-state \
--add-host host.docker.internal:host-gateway \
--name openhands-app-$(date +%Y%m%d%H%M%S) \
docker.all-hands.dev/all-hands-ai/openhands:0.41 \
python -m openhands.cli.main --override-cli-mode true
```
This launches the CLI in Docker, allowing you to interact with OpenHands as described above.
The `-e SANDBOX_USER_ID=$(id -u)` ensures files created by the agent in your workspace have the correct permissions.
## Interactive CLI Overview
### What is CLI Mode?
CLI mode enables real-time interaction with OpenHands agents. You can type natural language tasks, use interactive
commands, and receive instant feedback—all inside your terminal.
### Starting a Conversation
When you start the CLI, you'll see a welcome message and a prompt (`>`). Enter your first task or type a command to
begin your conversation.
### Available Commands
You can use the following commands whenever the prompt (`>`) is displayed:
| Command | Description |
|--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| `/help` | Show all available interactive commands and their descriptions |
| `/exit` | Exit the application |
| `/init` | Initialize a new repository for agent exploration |
| `/status` | Show conversation details and usage metrics |
| `/new` | Start a new conversation |
| `/settings` | View and modify current LLM/agent settings |
| `/resume` | Resume the agent if paused |
#### Settings and Configuration
You can update your model, API key, agent, and other preferences interactively using the `/settings` command. Just
follow the prompts:
- **Basic settings**: Choose a model/provider and enter your API key.
- **Advanced settings**: Set custom endpoints, enable or disable confirmation mode, and configure memory condensation.
Settings can also be managed via the `config.toml` file.
#### Repository Initialization
The `/init` command helps the agent understand your project by creating a `.openhands/microagents/repo.md` file with
project details and structure. Use this when onboarding the agent to a new codebase.
#### Agent Pause/Resume Feature
You can pause the agent while it is running by pressing `Ctrl-P`. To continue the conversation after pausing, simply
type `/resume` at the prompt.
## Tips and Troubleshooting
- Use `/help` at any time to see the list of available commands.
- If you encounter permission issues, make sure your workspace directory is trusted and all required environment variables are set correctly.
- For advanced LLM configuration, use the advanced options in `/settings`.
- When confirmation mode is enabled, the CLI will prompt before sensitive operations. You can type `a` or `always` at the first confirmation prompt to automatically confirm subsequent actions for the current conversation.
- If you want to start over, use `/new` to begin a fresh conversation without restarting the CLI.
---