Installation

Option 1: Python Package (Recommended)

Install the Python package using your preferred tool:

# pipx (recommended for CLI tools)
pipx install claude-cortex

# uv
uv tool install claude-cortex

# pip
pip install claude-cortex

After installing the CLI, link cortex content and install shell completions:

# Create symlinks in ~/.claude for agents, skills, rules, hooks
cortex install link

# Install shell completions and manpages
cortex install post

Option 2: Development Install

git clone https://github.com/NickCrew/claude-cortex.git
cd claude-cortex
pip install -e ".[dev]"

# Link content
cortex install link

# Install shell completions and manpages
cortex install post

What Gets Installed

The cortex install link command creates symlinks in ~/.claude/:

~/.claude/
├── agents/    → symlink to package agents/
├── skills/    → symlink to package skills/
├── rules/     → symlink to package rules/
├── hooks/     → symlink to package hooks/
└── commands/  → generated aliases derived from installed skills

Run cortex install link --dry-run to preview changes before linking. Use --force to replace existing directories.

Verifying Installation

# Check CLI version
cortex --version

# View plugin status
cortex status

# List available agents
cortex agent list

Requirements

• Claude Code – latest version
• Python – 3.9+ (for CLI only)
• Git – for worktree features