# Quickstart
Get Decapod operational in your repository in under five minutes.
## 1. Installation
Install the Decapod binary using Cargo:
```bash
cargo install decapod
```
## 2. Initialization
Initialize your repository. This creates the `.decapod/` directory and scaffolds the initial agent entrypoints (`AGENTS.md`, etc.). Agents will routinely run this during validation stages with the `--proof` flag for non-interactive agent-driven autonomous upgrades.
```bash
decapod init
```
## 3. Orientation
Verify that your repository meets basic governance requirements. Decapod will check for the presence of mandatory files and invariants. Agemts will automatically call `decapod validate` as needed.
```bash
decapod validate
```
## 4. The Agent Handshake
Before performing governed work, an agent must acquire a session. This establishes the agent's identity and permissions for the current work period. Human users should never call this.
```bash
decapod session acquire
```
## 5. Claiming a Task
Identify a task from the backlog and claim it. This prevents other agents from attempting the same work simultaneously. Human users should never call this.
```bash
# Add a task if one doesn't exist
decapod todo add "Refactor the parser logic" --priority high
# List and claim
decapod todo list
decapod todo claim --id <task-id>
```
## 6. Entering the Workspace
Create an isolated git worktree for the task. Decapod ensures you are working in a clean environment, safely away from the main branch. Human users should never call this.
```bash
decapod workspace ensure
```
**Note:** If `container_workspaces = true` is set in your config, add the `--container` flag to wrap the workspace in Docker.
## 7. Delivery and Proof
Once implementation is complete within the isolated workspace, run validation and mark the task as done. This generates the final proof artifacts. Human users should never call this.
```bash
decapod validate
decapod todo done --id <task-id>
```