> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://402.cat/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation

> Install httpcat-cli via npm, Homebrew, or npx

## Installation Methods

httpcat-cli can be installed in multiple ways depending on your preference and workflow.

### npm (Recommended)

Install globally via npm for the best experience:

```bash theme={null}
npm install -g httpcat-cli
```

After installation, the `httpcat` command will be available system-wide.

**Verify installation:**

```bash theme={null}
httpcat --version
```

### npx (No Install Required)

Use npx to run httpcat without installing:

```bash theme={null}
npx httpcat-cli@latest
```

This always uses the latest version but takes slightly longer to start since it downloads the package each time.

**Useful for:**

* Quick one-off commands
* CI/CD pipelines
* Trying before installing
* Always using the latest version

### Homebrew (macOS/Linux)

Install via Homebrew tap:

```bash theme={null}
brew tap hathbanger/httpcat
brew install httpcat
```

**Update to latest:**

```bash theme={null}
brew upgrade httpcat
```

## System Requirements

* **Node.js**: 18.0.0 or higher
* **Operating Systems**: macOS, Linux, Windows (via WSL recommended)
* **Network**: Base Sepolia or Base mainnet access

## Configuration

After installation, run the setup wizard:

```bash theme={null}
httpcat config
```

This will guide you through:

1. **Wallet Setup**: Import or generate a private key
2. **Network Selection**: Base Sepolia (testnet) or Base (mainnet)
3. **Preferences**: ASCII art, color output, etc.

Configuration is stored at: `~/.config/httpcat/config.json`

<Warning>
  Never commit your `config.json` file to version control. It contains your encrypted private key.
</Warning>

## Verification

Test your installation:

```bash theme={null}
# Check if the agent is reachable
httpcat health

# Check your wallet balance
httpcat balance

# View help
httpcat --help
```

## Upgrading

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="npm">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npm update -g httpcat-cli
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Homebrew">
    ```bash theme={null}
    brew upgrade httpcat
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="npx">
    npx automatically uses the latest version, no upgrade needed.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Uninstallation

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="npm">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npm uninstall -g httpcat-cli
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Homebrew">
    ```bash theme={null}
    brew uninstall httpcat
    brew untap hathbanger/httpcat
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

To remove configuration:

```bash theme={null}
rm -rf ~/.config/httpcat
```

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Command not found after npm install" icon="circle-exclamation">
    Make sure npm's global bin directory is in your PATH:

    ```bash theme={null}
    npm config get prefix
    ```

    Add `$(npm config get prefix)/bin` to your PATH in `~/.bashrc` or `~/.zshrc`:

    ```bash theme={null}
    export PATH="$(npm config get prefix)/bin:$PATH"
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Permission errors on npm install" icon="lock">
    Use one of these solutions:

    **Option 1**: Use npx instead (no permission issues)

    **Option 2**: Fix npm permissions:

    ```bash theme={null}
    mkdir -p ~/.npm-global
    npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
    echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
    source ~/.bashrc
    ```

    Then retry the installation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Network connection errors" icon="wifi">
    If you see connection errors:

    1. Check your internet connection
    2. Verify you can reach the agent:
       ```bash theme={null}
       curl https://agent.402.cat/health
       ```
    3. Check if you're behind a proxy/firewall
    4. Try setting a custom agent URL:
       ```bash theme={null}
       export HTTPCAT_AGENT_URL=https://agent.402.cat
       ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Node.js version issues" icon="node">
    httpcat-cli requires Node.js 18 or higher.

    Check your version:

    ```bash theme={null}
    node --version
    ```

    Upgrade Node.js:

    * **nvm**: `nvm install 18 && nvm use 18`
    * **Homebrew**: `brew upgrade node`
    * **Download**: [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Commands Reference" icon="terminal" href="/docs/cli/commands">
    Learn all available commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="gear" href="/docs/cli/configuration">
    Advanced configuration options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="bolt" href="/docs/quickstart">
    Get trading in 5 minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="MCP Server" icon="robot" href="/docs/mcp/overview">
    Use with AI assistants
  </Card>
</CardGroup>