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

# Prepare an evaluation

> Freeze the candidate and create a reviewable plan.

# Prepare an evaluation

Preparation turns the selected source into one inspected, frozen candidate artifact.

```bash theme={null}
inter --json eval prepare default
```

## What the agent must verify

```text theme={null}
Candidate artifact
  → package and CLI inspection
  → evaluation workspace
  → evaluation plan
  → explicit next action
```

If preparation reports that the plan is missing or invalid, the agent uses the managed `inter-eval-planning` Skill to create or repair `eval-plan.json`.

The plan defines:

* the tasks the CLI must complete;
* expected outcomes;
* the target account and credential-variable name;
* allowed hosts; and
* execution settings.

Validate the finished plan before an execution request:

```bash theme={null}
inter --json eval prepare default --check-only
```

Preparation never changes the candidate after it has been frozen.