How to Update Ruflo to the Latest Version Using the CLI

Run npx ruflo@v3alpha init upgrade to safely update Ruflo to the latest version while preserving your project data, or add --add-missing to automatically install new skills and agents introduced in the release.

Keeping your AI workflow tooling current ensures access to the latest features and security improvements. When working with the ruvnet/ruflo repository, you need to know how to update Ruflo to the latest version using its built-in CLI commands. The upgrade process is designed to be non-destructive, regenerating helper scripts and internal dependencies without touching your existing configurations or project data.

Understanding the Ruflo Upgrade Architecture

The upgrade mechanism is implemented entirely within the CLI architecture to ensure local, secure execution. According to the source code in v3/@claude-flow/cli/src/commands/init.ts, the upgrade sub-command is registered and wired to specific executor functions around lines 88-91. This implementation ensures that all upgrade operations run locally without requiring external API keys or secrets.

The actual execution logic resides in v3/@claude-flow/cli/src/init/executor.ts, where the executeUpgrade* helper functions handle file regeneration, dependency updates, and optional component installation. This architecture guarantees that your existing skills, agents, and custom configurations remain untouched during the update process.

How to Update Ruflo to the Latest Version with NPX

The standard method to update Ruflo to the latest version uses the init upgrade command via npx. This command refreshes helper scripts such as the status-line and metrics collectors while preserving your existing setup.

npx ruflo@v3alpha init upgrade

This command targets the v3 alpha channel, which represents the current latest release line. The operation detects your current helper scripts, regenerates any missing or changed files, and updates internal dependencies without modifying your project data.

Advanced Upgrade Options

The CLI provides several flags to customize the upgrade behavior based on your specific requirements.

Installing Missing Components with --add-missing

If you want to automatically pull in new skills, agents, or CLI commands that were added in the latest release without overwriting your customizations, append the --add-missing flag.

npx ruflo@v3alpha init upgrade --add-missing

This option triggers a scan for new components in the executor logic and runs the appropriate installation commands, ensuring you have access to the full feature set of the latest version.

Verbose Output for Debugging

To see detailed step-by-step output during the upgrade process, useful for troubleshooting or verifying what changes are being made, use the --verbose flag.

npx ruflo@v3alpha init upgrade --verbose

Targeting Specific Versions

While the @v3alpha tag tracks the latest alpha release, you can pin to a specific version by using the exact version number in the npx command.

npx ruflo@3.5.7 init upgrade

This is useful when you need to update Ruflo to a specific version rather than the latest alpha, ensuring compatibility with specific project requirements.

Alternative: Using the Claude-Flow Binary

For users who have the legacy claude-flow binary installed globally or prefer that command structure, Ruflo maintains backward compatibility. The same init upgrade sub-command works with this binary name.

claude-flow init upgrade
claude-flow init upgrade --add-missing

These commands are functionally equivalent to the npx ruflo variants and execute the same underlying logic in v3/@claude-flow/cli/src/commands/init.ts. This compatibility layer ensures existing scripts and workflows continue to function during the transition to the Ruflo branding.

Summary

Updating Ruflo to the latest version is a straightforward CLI operation designed to preserve your data while refreshing system components. Key takeaways include:

• Use npx ruflo@v3alpha init upgrade to safely update helpers and the status-line without affecting project data.
• Add the --add-missing flag to automatically install new skills, agents, and commands introduced in the latest release.
• Target specific versions using npx ruflo@<version> when you need precise version control.
• The upgrade logic is implemented in v3/@claude-flow/cli/src/commands/init.ts and v3/@claude-flow/cli/src/init/executor.ts, ensuring local, secure execution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will upgrading Ruflo delete my project data?

No. The upgrade process is explicitly designed to be non-destructive. According to the source code in v3/@claude-flow/cli/src/init/executor.ts, the executeUpgrade* functions only regenerate helper scripts and update internal dependencies. Your existing configurations, skills, agents, and project data remain completely untouched throughout the process.

How do I upgrade Ruflo to a specific version?

To update Ruflo to a specific version rather than the latest alpha, specify the exact version number in your npx command. For example, run npx ruflo@3.5.7 init upgrade to pin the upgrade process to version 3.5.7. This approach is useful when maintaining compatibility with specific project requirements or testing particular releases before adopting the latest alpha.

What is the difference between init upgrade and init upgrade --add-missing?

The standard init upgrade command refreshes helper scripts and the status-line while preserving your existing configuration. When you append --add-missing, the CLI additionally scans for and automatically installs any new skills, agents, or commands that were introduced in the latest release. This flag ensures you have access to the complete feature set without manually tracking new components or overwriting your customizations.

Where is the upgrade logic implemented in the Ruflo source code?

The upgrade logic is primarily implemented in two locations within the ruvnet/ruflo repository. The command registration and sub-command definition reside in v3/@claude-flow/cli/src/commands/init.ts, specifically around lines 88-91 where the upgrade sub-command is wired to the executor. The actual execution logic, including the executeUpgrade* helper functions that handle file regeneration and dependency updates, is located in v3/@claude-flow/cli/src/init/executor.ts.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}