CLI installation

Homebrew / script install, pairing, and platform notes

What is Starcat CLI

starcat-cli is a cross-platform command-line client and stdio MCP bridge for AI agents:

• Does not read Starcat SQLite directly
• All reads and writes go through the app’s MCP tools
• Permissions, dry-run, Pro checks, and audit still run in the macOS Starcat app

The app runs on Mac; the CLI can install on the same Mac or connect over a trusted network to a paired app.

Install

Homebrew

brew tap starcat-app/starcat-cli
brew install starcat

Tap repo: homebrew-starcat-cli.

macOS / Linux one-line script

curl -fsSL https://github.com/starcat-app/starcat-cli/releases/latest/download/install.sh | sh

Installs to ~/.local/bin/starcat by default (STARCAT_INSTALL_DIR overrides). The script verifies SHA-256.

Windows PowerShell

irm https://github.com/starcat-app/starcat-cli/releases/latest/download/install.ps1 | iex

Pairing (required)

1. Enable MCP in the app

   Starcat → Settings → MCP → enable the service. Requires Pro.
2. Copy the pairing command

   Copy from Settings; URI valid ~5 minutes, single-use.
3. Run in Terminal

   starcat pair "starcat-pair://connect?..."
   starcat doctor
   
4. Confirm device in the app

   Pairing is incomplete until you confirm.

You can also run starcat pair and paste the URI. Long-lived credentials live in Keychain / Credential Manager / Secret Service.

See MCP settings.

Verify

starcat --version
starcat doctor
starcat capabilities

Next steps

• Usage guide
• Agent Skill
• Skill repo: starcat-skill