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1

Install Claude Code

macOS, Linux & WSL:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell):

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Auto-updates in the background. See setup docs for Homebrew and WinGet alternatives.
2

Install ArcKit Plugin

/plugin marketplace add tractorjuice/arc-kit

Then install from the Discover tab. The plugin provides all 64 commands, 6 autonomous research agents, 4 automation hooks, and bundled MCP servers. Updates are automatic via the marketplace.

3

Open Your Project

cd my-project
claude
4

Get Oriented

/arckit.start

Shows project status, connected tools, command decision tree, and recommended next steps.

5

Initialize Project Structure

/arckit.init

Creates the projects/ directory structure for architecture artifacts.

1

Install Gemini CLI

npm (requires Node.js 20+):

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli

Homebrew (macOS & Linux):

brew install gemini-cli
2

Install ArcKit Extension

gemini extensions install https://github.com/tractorjuice/arckit-gemini

Zero-config: all 64 commands, templates, scripts, and bundled MCP servers. Update with gemini extensions update arckit.

3

Open Your Project

cd my-project
gemini
4

Get Oriented

/arckit:start

Shows project status, connected tools, command decision tree, and recommended next steps.

5

Initialize Project Structure

/arckit:init

Creates the projects/ directory structure for architecture artifacts.

1

Install Codex CLI

npm (requires Node.js 22+):

npm install -g @openai/codex

Homebrew:

brew install codex
2

Install ArcKit CLI & Initialize Project

Install the ArcKit CLI, then initialize your project:

# Install with pip
pip install git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Or with uv (recommended)
uv tool install arckit-cli --from git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Initialize project
arckit init my-project --ai codex

This copies all 64 commands, templates, and scripts into your project. Use --minimal to skip docs and guides.

3

Open Your Project

cd my-project
codex
4

Get Oriented

$arckit-start

Shows project status, connected tools, command decision tree, and recommended next steps.

5

Initialize Project Structure

$arckit-init

Creates the projects/ directory structure for architecture artifacts.

1

Install OpenCode CLI

Install script (recommended):

curl -fsSL https://opencode.ai/install | bash

npm:

npm install -g opencode-ai

Homebrew (macOS & Linux):

brew install anomalyco/tap/opencode
2

Install ArcKit CLI & Initialize Project

Install the ArcKit CLI, then initialize your project:

# Install with pip
pip install git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Or with uv (recommended)
uv tool install arckit-cli --from git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Initialize project
arckit init my-project --ai opencode

This copies all 64 commands, templates, and scripts into your project.

3

Open Your Project

cd my-project
opencode
4

Get Oriented

/arckit.start

Shows project status, connected tools, command decision tree, and recommended next steps.

5

Initialize Project Structure

/arckit.init

Creates the projects/ directory structure for architecture artifacts.

1

Install VS Code & GitHub Copilot

Install VS Code and the GitHub Copilot extension.

Requires a GitHub Copilot subscription (Individual, Business, or Enterprise).
2

Install ArcKit CLI & Initialize Project

Install the ArcKit CLI, then initialize your project:

# Install with pip
pip install git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Or with uv (recommended)
uv tool install arckit-cli --from git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Initialize project
arckit init my-project --ai copilot

This scaffolds 64 prompt files, 6 research agents, templates, and scripts into your project.

3

Open Your Project in VS Code

code my-project
4

Use Commands in Copilot Chat

Open Copilot Chat (Ctrl+Shift+I / Cmd+Shift+I) and type / to see all arckit-* commands in autocomplete.

/arckit-start

Shows project status, command decision tree, and recommended next steps.

5

Initialize Project Structure

/arckit-init

Creates the projects/ directory structure for architecture artifacts.

6

Follow GDS Phases

Commands shown use Claude Code / OpenCode syntax (/arckit.command). For Gemini CLI use /arckit:command. For Codex CLI use $arckit-command. For GitHub Copilot use /arckit-command.

Discovery

/arckit.stakeholders Analyze stakeholders for appointment system
/arckit.risk Create risk register
/arckit.sobc Generate Strategic Outline Business Case

Alpha

/arckit.requirements Define requirements
/arckit.principles Establish architecture principles
/arckit.wardley Create Wardley Map for build vs buy decisions

Beta

/arckit.hld-review Review High-Level Design
/arckit.diagram Create C4 architecture diagrams
/arckit.analyze Comprehensive gap analysis
Warning AI generates first drafts following templates. Always review, validate, and refine AI output with human expertise.

Next Steps

Command Reference

Browse all 64 commands with filters and dependency matrix.

Command Guides

Step-by-step guides with prerequisites and real-world examples.

DDaT Role Guides

Find commands tailored to your UK Government DDaT role.

Example Projects

See AI-generated architecture documentation from real-world scenarios.