# Using the Autonomi CLI

Install `ant`, confirm it works, retrieve public data from the network, and then move into uploads or local devnet testing when you need them. Choose the CLI when you want shell-first workflows without needing to run the local daemon, [`antd`](/developers/sdk/install/start-the-local-daemon.md), first.

The CLI can be a good fit when you want:

* direct shell access to file, chunk, wallet, or node-management workflows
* shell-first automation or operational workflows
* direct control over bootstrap peers, local devnet manifests, and EVM network selection

## Prerequisites

* `curl` or PowerShell to run the installer, or a Rust toolchain if you prefer to build from source
* `SECRET_KEY` for the upload step and for wallet commands. You do not need it for the first download step.
* A local file to upload later in the guide, unless you use the sample `greeting.txt` command in the upload step.

If you want SDK ergonomics in another language, see [Build with the SDKs](/developers/sdk/install.md) and [Start the Local Daemon](/developers/sdk/install/start-the-local-daemon.md). If you want daemon-free programmatic Rust access, see [Build Directly in Rust](/developers/developing-in-rust/build-directly-in-rust.md).

## Steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Install the CLI

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Linux and macOS" %}

```bash
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/WithAutonomi/ant-client/main/install.sh | bash
```

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Windows" %}

```powershell
irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/WithAutonomi/ant-client/main/install.ps1 | iex
```

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Build from source" %}

```bash
git clone https://github.com/WithAutonomi/ant-client.git
cd ant-client
cargo build --release --bin ant
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

The installer also writes `bootstrap_peers.toml` into the standard `ant` config directory, so public-network reads usually work without extra `--bootstrap` flags.

If you build `ant` from source instead, provide your own bootstrap config or pass `--bootstrap` yourself for data commands.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Confirm the CLI works

```bash
ant --help

# or, if you built from source and have not installed it on PATH:
./target/release/ant --help
```

For the `ant` CLI, root flags such as `--bootstrap`, `--devnet-manifest`, `--allow-loopback`, and `--evm-network` come before the subcommand.

The CLI needs a bootstrap source for data operations. The installer usually provides one through `bootstrap_peers.toml`. Use `--bootstrap` to override it, or use `--devnet-manifest` together with `--allow-loopback` for a local devnet.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Retrieve a public file from the network

This example downloads a public JPEG of Lucky the dog.

```bash
ant file download 711c7e20006ff3e0ac6c1f3063286a0c1a3e4c409642e8c526173fa60bb7078a -o lucky.jpg
```

`-o lucky.jpg` chooses the local filename for the downloaded copy. The address identifies the content on the network, not the original filename.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Store a file on the default network

Set `SECRET_KEY`, create a small local file, and then upload it on the default network.

```bash
printf "hello autonomi\n" > greeting.txt
export SECRET_KEY="0x<hex_private_key>"
ant file upload greeting.txt --public
```

Expected output includes a public address you can share with other readers, plus the stored chunk count, file size, and total cost.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Optional: Use a local devnet for isolated testing

If you already have a devnet manifest, pass it before the subcommand:

```bash
SECRET_KEY="0x<hex_private_key>" ant \
  --devnet-manifest /tmp/devnet.json \
  --allow-loopback \
  --evm-network local \
  file upload lucky.jpg --public
```

Use this mode when you want local nodes and a local EVM chain instead of the public network. For the full setup, see [Set Up a Local Network](/developers/guides/set-up-a-local-network.md).
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## What happened

You installed `ant`, used the configured bootstrap source to reach the Autonomi Network, and downloaded public content directly from the terminal. When you added `SECRET_KEY`, the same CLI handled self-encryption, upload payment, and DataMap management for file writes.

## Next steps

* [CLI Command Reference](/developers/cli/command-reference.md)
* [Set Up a Local Network](/developers/guides/set-up-a-local-network.md)
* [Build Directly in Rust](/developers/developing-in-rust/build-directly-in-rust.md)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.autonomi.com/developers/cli/use-the-cli.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.