arka setup, add an API key, and use arka from any terminal.
At a glance: Requires Python 3.11+, one LLM API key (Gemini or Groq recommended), and optionally fish shell for the full skill router. Recommended install:
pipx install "arka-agent[chat]" → arka setup → arka doctor → arka ask "what is Rust?". Full docs: Introduction.Arka quickstart — install, configure, and run your first command
Before you begin
Arka uses a docs-as-code approach — this site is built on Mintlify and deployed at arka-agent.mintlify.site. To use Arka itself, you need:- Python 3.11+
- At least one LLM API key (Gemini or Groq recommended for free tiers)
- fish shell for the full 70+ skill router (optional but recommended)
Install (no build from source)
Most users should install thearka-agent package directly. You do not need to clone the repo, run ./scripts/refetch.sh, or compile anything — pip / pipx downloads a ready-to-run CLI.
- pipx (recommended)
- pip / venv
- Git clone (contributors)
- Editable dev
Isolated install — best for daily terminal use. Requires pipx.If PyPI returns 404 (publish in progress), install the latest release straight from GitHub — still no local build:
After install,
which arka should print a path under pipx’s venv or your active Python environment. Run arka doctor — you should see Skills: full (70+) when fish is installed, or portable mode otherwise.Use Arka from any terminal
Once installed, open a new terminal tab (so PATH picks up pipx) and run:arka ask, calc, weather, plugins, and MCP.
Get started
1
Configure API keys
Copy the example env file and add at least one provider key.Minimum
.env for a quick start:Config paths vary by OS. Linux uses
~/.config/arka/, macOS uses ~/Library/Application Support/arka/, and Windows uses %APPDATA%\arka\.2
Verify the install
Run diagnostics to confirm dependencies and API keys.
3
Run your first command
Ask a question and see Arka route it to the web answer skill.Try a few more:
4
Personalize (optional)
Pick interests and get skill recommendations tailored to you.See Personalize your Arka experience for interest tags and non-interactive flags.
5
Install fish shell (optional)
Fish unlocks the full 70+ skill router. The pip package ships
config.fish.Optional extras
Next steps
Follow the sidebar in order, or jump to what you need:How to code with Arka
Daily coding workflow — setup, edits, review, CI, and Cursor MCP.
CLI reference
All commands, aliases, and subcommands.
Skills catalog
What you can ask Arka to do.
How routing works
Offline rules, LLM fallback, and correction layer.
LLM configuration
Providers, failover, and per-skill models.
Configuration
Env vars, precedence, and built-in defaults.
Voice
Wake word, STT, and TTS setup.
Arka Council
Multi-persona deliberation.
Changelog
What’s new this week.