First Run Checklist
Use this checklist after CLI binary install or source build.
1. Verify engine connectivity
Section titled “1. Verify engine connectivity”Run the master CLI first, then open TUI or the direct engine runtime.
tandem doctortandem statustandem service statustandem engine statustandem panel init # optional if the control-panel add-on is installedtandem panel open # optional if the control-panel add-on is installedtandem-engine serve --hostname 127.0.0.1 --port 39731tandem-tui2. Configure provider
Section titled “2. Configure provider”Pick a provider and set credentials through the TUI setup flow or environment/config.
Common environment variables:
OPENAI_API_KEYANTHROPIC_API_KEYOPENROUTER_API_KEY
See Configuration for full config precedence.
3. Open workspace
Section titled “3. Open workspace”Grant access to your target project directory and keep scope explicit.
4. Validate tools and approval flow
Section titled “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
Section titled “5. Troubleshoot quickly”- TUI commands: TUI Commands
- Engine CLI: Engine Commands