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Kernel CLI ​

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

Installation ​

bash
# Using brew
brew install onkernel/tap/kernel

# Using pnpm
pnpm install -g @onkernel/cli

# Using npm
npm install -g @onkernel/cli

Verify installation:

bash
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.

Extensions

Upload, download, and build browser extensions.

MCP

Install Kernel MCP server configuration for AI tools.

Projects

Manage projects and scope commands with `--project`.

Quick Start ​

bash
# 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"}'

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-or-name> - Scope the request to a specific project (also reads the KERNEL_PROJECT env var)

JSON Output ​

Many commands support --output json (or -o json) for machine-readable output, useful for scripting and automation:

bash
# 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.

INFO

Looking for the API? See the API Reference.

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.