# How to Install ruvnet/ruflo: Complete CLI Setup Guide

> Install ruvnet/ruflo easily with our complete CLI setup guide. Follow simple steps for Node.js 20+ or use npx for a quick local run. Get started with ruvnet/ruflo now.

- Repository: [rUv/ruflo](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-03-09

---

**Install ruvnet/ruflo by running the one-liner `curl -fsSL https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/ruvnet/claude-flow@main/scripts/install.sh | bash` with Node.js 20+, or use `npx ruflo@latest init` for a minimal local run without installation.**

Ruflo is an enterprise-grade AI-agent orchestration platform distributed as a Node.js CLI. This guide covers how to install ruvnet/ruflo using the official one-line installer, global npm installation, or local npx execution, with optional MCP server configuration for Claude Code integration.

## Prerequisites for Installing ruvnet/ruflo

Before running the installer, verify your environment meets the minimum requirements defined in [`package.json`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/package.json) at line 84.

- **Node.js 20.0.0 or higher**: The `engines` field in [`package.json`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/package.json) explicitly requires Node ≥ 20.0.0.
- **Package manager**: npm, pnpm, or bun must be available for dependency resolution.
- **curl**: Required to download the installation script from the CDN.

Verify your Node version:

```bash
node -v

```

## Installation Methods for ruvnet/ruflo

The repository provides multiple installation paths depending on your workflow requirements.

### Method 1: One-Line Installer (Recommended)

The default installation method downloads [`scripts/install.sh`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/scripts/install.sh) from the project's CDN and executes the setup automatically. This approach is documented in the README at lines 53-66.

Run the following command:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/ruvnet/claude-flow@main/scripts/install.sh | bash

```

This command performs the following actions:
- Downloads the latest [`install.sh`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/install.sh) script
- Installs the `ruflo` binary via `npm i -g` or a local `npx` fallback
- Optionally configures the MCP server if `--setup-mcp` is passed
- Runs diagnostics when `--doctor` is specified

### Method 2: Global Installation with Flags

For production environments or frequent use, install ruvnet/ruflo globally with specific configuration flags. The installer supports several options documented in the README at lines 45-55.

```bash
curl -fsSL https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/ruvnet/claude-flow@main/scripts/install.sh \
  | bash -s -- --global --full

```

Available flags include:
- **`--global`** or **`-g`**: Installs via `npm i -g ruflo@latest` for system-wide access
- **`--full`** or **`-f`**: Performs global installation plus MCP setup and diagnostics
- **`--minimal`** or **`-m`**: Skips optional dependencies for a ~15 second install
- **`--setup-mcp`**: Automatically configures the MCP server for Claude Code integration

### Method 3: Minimal Local Execution (No Install)

For one-off usage or environments where you cannot install global packages, use `npx` to run ruflo without permanent installation:

```bash
npx ruflo@latest init

```

This command downloads and executes the latest version temporarily, referencing the entry point at [`bin/cli.js`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/bin/cli.js).

## Configuring MCP Integration for Claude Code

After installation, enable the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server to allow Claude Code to invoke ruflo's 170+ tools. The MCP implementations reside in `v3/mcp/`.

Register the MCP server:

```bash
claude mcp add ruflo -- npx ruflo@latest mcp start

```

This configuration is documented in the README at lines 121-130. The `--setup-mcp` flag in the installer performs this step automatically during installation.

## Verifying Your ruvnet/ruflo Installation

Confirm the CLI is properly installed and accessible:

```bash
ruflo --version
ruflo --help

```

If installed globally, the `ruflo` command should resolve to [`bin/cli.js`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/bin/cli.js). For local installations, use `npx ruflo@latest --help`.

## Summary

- **Install ruvnet/ruflo** using the one-liner `curl -fsSL https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/ruvnet/claude-flow@main/scripts/install.sh | bash` for automated setup.
- **Requires Node.js 20+** as specified in [`package.json`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/package.json) at line 84.
- **Choose your mode**: `--global` for system-wide access, `--minimal` for fast setup, or `--full` for complete MCP configuration.
- **Run without installing** using `npx ruflo@latest init` for temporary access.
- **Enable Claude Code integration** via `claude mcp add ruflo -- npx ruflo@latest mcp start` or the `--setup-mcp` flag.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What Node.js version is required to install ruvnet/ruflo?

Ruflo requires **Node.js 20.0.0 or higher**, as defined in the `engines` field of [`package.json`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/package.json) at line 84. Verify your version with `node -v` before running the installer.

### Can I install ruvnet/ruflo without using curl or bash?

Yes. If you cannot run shell scripts, use `npx ruflo@latest init` to execute the CLI without installation, or manually run `npm i -g ruflo@latest` if you have npm access but restricted curl permissions.

### How do I enable MCP server integration after installing ruflo?

Run `claude mcp add ruflo -- npx ruflo@latest mcp start` to register the MCP server with Claude Code. Alternatively, reinstall using the one-liner with the `--setup-mcp` flag to automate this configuration during setup.

### Where is the ruflo CLI entry point located in the source code?

The CLI entry point is [`bin/cli.js`](https://github.com/ruvnet/ruflo/blob/main/bin/cli.js), which contains the shebang `#!/usr/bin/env node` and initializes the command-line interface. This file is executed when you run the `ruflo` command after global installation.