> ## 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.

# Agent quickstart

> Bring an existing CLI to Intermesh and produce evidence.

# Agent quickstart

Use this flow when an agent needs to evaluate an existing CLI.

## Goal

```text theme={null}
CLI source
  → setup
  → frozen artifact
  → evaluation plan
  → authorized run
  → evidence
```

## 1. Install and initialize

```bash theme={null}
npm install --global @malmhq/intermesh-cli
inter init
```

`inter init` creates the Intermesh workspace and installs the managed planning Skill.

## 2. Select the CLI

From a repository that contains one CLI package:

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

If there is more than one package, Intermesh returns structured choices. The agent reruns setup with the requested explicit package directory, package manager, and build script.

For an npm package, tarball, or remote Git repository, use the source-specific setup options in [Bring an existing CLI](/evaluate-cli/bring-a-cli).

## 3. Prepare the candidate

Use the installed `inter-eval-planning` Skill with the coding agent. Review `.intermesh/evaluations/default/eval.json`: source, tasks, resource IDs, expected outcomes, target account, allowed hosts, and scenario selection. Prepared artifacts and detailed execution evidence remain in private machine-local storage.

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

Preparation freezes and inspects the artifact. If the plan is missing or invalid, use the installed planning Skill to create or repair it, then run:

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

## 4. Run after authorization

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

Only run a reviewed plan with the dedicated, restricted credential it names.

## 5. Return evidence

```bash theme={null}
inter --json eval results --run <run-directory>
```

Read the report and return the evidence, not only the completion status.