# Archify Prerequisites: Complete Setup Guide for Node.js Skill Installation

> Learn Archify prerequisites for Node.js setup. Install Archify with Node.js 22.19+ or 24+, npm/npx, and optional agent runtimes for a smooth experience.

- Repository: [tt-a1i/archify](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-09-06

---

**Archify requires Node.js 22.19+ or Node.js ≥24.0.0, npm/npx for installation, and optionally an agent runtime like Cursor, Claude Code, or Codex CLI.**

Archify is a Node-based skill designed for AI-powered development agents. Before installing, you need the correct JavaScript runtime version and package manager tools. This guide covers all hardware, software, and environment requirements based on the official `tt-a1i/archify` source code.

## Node.js Version Requirements

Archify demands a modern Node.js runtime with specific version constraints. According to [[`README.md`](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/README.md)](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/README.md#L24-L30), the supported versions are:

- **Node.js 22.19 or higher** (LTS track)
- **Node.js 24.0.0 or higher** (current track)

These versions provide the **language features and system APIs** used by Archify's rendering and validation pipelines. The entry-point script at `archify/bin/archify.mjs` relies on modern ESM syntax and Node.js-specific modules that aren't available in earlier releases.

Verify your installation before proceeding:

```bash
node --version

```

If your version falls below 22.19, upgrade via [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) or your package manager.

## Package Manager and Installation Method

Archify distributes through npm and executes via **npx**. The [[`README.md`](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/README.md) quick start section](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/README.md#L95-L101) specifies the standard install command:

```bash
npx skills add tt-a1i/archify -g

```

This requires:

- **npm** in your system PATH
- **npx** functionality (bundled with npm 5.2+)

The `-g` flag installs the skill globally for your chosen agent. No local `node_modules` directory or [`package.json`](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/package.json) setup is necessary.

## Optional: Network Access and Update Checks

Archify performs an optional remote check against a stable manifest to display update reminders. This network call is **non-blocking** and can be disabled entirely.

### Disabling Network Checks

Set the environment variable `ARCHIFY_UPDATE_CHECK_DISABLED=1` to skip the manifest fetch and any related state writes. From the [update check note](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/README.md#L18-L22):

```bash
ARCHIFY_UPDATE_CHECK_DISABLED=1 npx skills add tt-a1i/archify -g

```

Basic Archify operation does not depend on internet connectivity. The check exists purely for version awareness.

## Supported Agent Runtimes

Archify packages as a **Skill** for multiple AI development agents. Per the [installation options table](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/README.md#L55-L63), compatible agents include:

- **Cursor** — AI-native code editor
- **Claude Code** — Anthropic's terminal agent
- **Codex CLI** — OpenAI's command-line interface
- **OpenCode** — Open-source AI coding assistant
- **Raven** — Lightweight agent runtime

Your chosen agent runtime must be installed and configured before adding Archify. The [`archify/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/archify/SKILL.md) file formally describes the capabilities exposed to these agents, while [`archify/schemas/README.md`](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/archify/schemas/README.md) defines validation schemas that rely on the Node runtime.

## Complete Installation Example

For a **Cursor** setup with update checks disabled:

```bash

# 1. Verify Node.js version

node --version  # Should output v22.19.0 or higher

# 2. Install Archify globally

ARCHIFY_UPDATE_CHECK_DISABLED=1 npx skills add tt-a1i/archify -g

```

## Summary

- **Node.js 22.19+ or 24.0.0+** is mandatory for runtime compatibility
- **npm/npx** handles installation; no build step required
- **Network access** is optional and suppressible via `ARCHIFY_UPDATE_CHECK_DISABLED=1`
- **Agent runtime** (Cursor, Claude Code, Codex CLI, OpenCode, or Raven) must pre-exist for skill execution
- Schema validation and rendering pipelines depend on modern Node.js APIs documented in [`archify/schemas/README.md`](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/archify/schemas/README.md)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What version of Node.js does Archify require?

Archify requires Node.js 22.19 or higher, or Node.js 24.0.0 or higher. These versions supply the ESM features and system APIs that `archify/bin/archify.mjs` uses for CLI parsing and skill execution. Earlier Node.js versions will fail at runtime.

### Can I install Archify without internet access?

Yes. Install once with `npx skills add tt-a1i/archify -g` while online, then operate offline indefinitely. Set `ARCHIFY_UPDATE_CHECK_DISABLED=1` to prevent network errors from update reminder checks when fully offline.

### Which AI agents support Archify?

Archify supports Cursor, Claude Code, Codex CLI, OpenCode, and Raven. The [`archify/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/tt-a1i/archify/blob/main/archify/SKILL.md) contract defines how each agent interfaces with Archify's capabilities. Choose your agent before installation, as the `-g` global flag targets a specific agent context.

### Is npm mandatory, or can I use Yarn or pnpm?

You need **npx**, which ships with npm. While Yarn and pnpm provide npx equivalents, the official documentation specifies npm's `npx` implementation. Yarn's `yarn dlx` or pnpm's `pnpm dlx` may work but aren't explicitly tested in the source repository.