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

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#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:

node --version

If your version falls below 22.19, upgrade via nodejs.org or your package manager.

Package Manager and Installation Method

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

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 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:

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, 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 file formally describes the capabilities exposed to these agents, while archify/schemas/README.md defines validation schemas that rely on the Node runtime.

Complete Installation Example

For a Cursor setup with update checks disabled:

# 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

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 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.

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