---
title: Installation
description: How to install and get started with CVMI (ContextVM Interface).
---
# Installation
CVMI is distributed as an NPM package and can be run directly using `npx` without requiring a global installation.
## Prerequisites
- [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/) 18 or higher
- A package manager (npm, yarn, pnpm, or bun)
## Installing via npx (Recommended)
The easiest way to use CVMI is with `npx`, which downloads and runs the latest version on demand:
```bash
# Install ContextVM skills interactively
npx cvmi add
# Install a specific skill
npx cvmi add --skill overview
```
Using `npx` ensures you always have the latest version without managing global installations.
## Quick Start Examples
### Install Skills
Browse and install skills interactively:
```bash
npx cvmi add
```
Install a specific skill directly:
```bash
npx cvmi add --skill overview
npx cvmi add --skill typescript-sdk
npx cvmi add --skill server-dev
```
### Run a Gateway
Expose an MCP server to the Nostr network:
```bash
# Expose a local filesystem server
npx cvmi serve -- npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem /tmp
# Or with a remote HTTP MCP server
npx cvmi serve
```
### Use a Remote Server
Connect to a Nostr-based MCP server:
```bash
npx cvmi use npub1q...
```
## Verifying Installation
To verify CVMI is working correctly, try running the help command:
```bash
npx cvmi --help
```
You should see a list of available commands and options.
### Check Installed Skills
List all installed skills:
```bash
npx cvmi list
```
This will show you which skills are currently available in your environment.
## Global Installation (Optional)
If you prefer, you can install CVMI globally:
```bash
# Using npm
npm install -g cvmi
# Using yarn
yarn global add cvmi
# Using pnpm
pnpm add -g cvmi
```
After global installation, you can use `cvmi` directly without `npx`:
```bash
cvmi add
cvmi serve -- npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem /tmp
```
## Next Steps
Now that you have CVMI installed, explore:
- [Commands Reference](/cvmi/commands) - Learn about all available commands
- [Configuration](/cvmi/configuration) - Set up your environment and preferences