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Tandem Engine

First Run Checklist

Use this checklist after CLI binary install or source build.

1. Verify engine connectivity

Run the master CLI first, then open TUI or the direct engine runtime.

Terminal window
tandem doctor
tandem status
tandem service status
tandem engine status
tandem panel init   # optional if the control-panel add-on is installed
tandem panel open   # optional if the control-panel add-on is installed
tandem-engine serve --hostname 127.0.0.1 --port 39731
Terminal window
tandem-tui

2. Configure provider

Pick a provider and set credentials through the TUI setup flow or environment/config.

Common environment variables:

  • OPENAI_API_KEY
  • ANTHROPIC_API_KEY
  • OPENROUTER_API_KEY

See Configuration for full config precedence.

3. Open workspace

Grant access to your target project directory and keep scope explicit.

4. Validate tools and approval flow

Run one safe prompt and confirm request/permission handling works as expected.

Example prompt:

Summarize this repository and list the top 3 areas to improve.

5. Troubleshoot quickly