Date: 2026-09-14

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Quickstart

Install Nova globally, complete the setup flow, then start it from the repository you want to work in.

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Before you begin

You need Node.js 22.12.0 or later, npm, and a directory you can access. Nova also needs a supported authentication method or model provider configured during setup.

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1. Install Nova

The command should print the installed Nova version. The package also provides compass as an alias for nova.

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2. Configure access

Run the interactive setup flow:
Follow the prompts to review consent and configure authentication. Keep API keys in Nova’s supported credential storage or your environment — never paste them into a prompt or commit them to the project.

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3. Start in a project

Ask Nova for an outcome with a clear verification target:
Nova will inspect the repository, use the tools available to the session, and show the resulting changes and verification evidence.

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4. Run one request without an interactive session

Use print mode when you want a single result for a script or CI-style workflow:
Use nova start --help to confirm flags in your installed version.

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Next steps