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Install the CLI

The Axon CLI is the canonical way to run the daemon. It includes the dashboard, MCP server, and all venue adapters in a single npm package.

Requirements​

  • Node.js 20+ (24 LTS recommended)
  • macOS, Linux, or Windows
  • ~80 MB disk for ~/.axon/ (keystore, audit DB, strategies)

Install​

npm install -g @axon-trading/cli

Verify:

axon --version
# 1.14.1 (or later)

First run​

axon

On a fresh machine, this opens an interactive wizard:

  1. Create your password — minimum 12 characters. This encrypts the keystore.
  2. Save your 24-word recovery phrase — written to terminal once. Paste into 1Password / Bitwarden right now. It's the only recovery path if you forget your password.
  3. Anonymous analytics (default OFF) — opt-in usage telemetry. Disable anytime with axon telemetry off.

After the wizard, the daemon starts, the dashboard auto-opens in your browser at http://127.0.0.1:47890/#token=…, and you're in DEMO mode (no real chain calls, simulated fills).

What just happened​

The CLI created:

  • ~/.axon/keystore.json — encrypted private key (mode 0600)
  • ~/.axon/config.json — config overlay (chain ID, RPC URL, etc.)
  • ~/.axon/audit.db — tamper-evident audit log
  • ~/.axon/session.token — bearer token for the local API
  • ~/.axon/daemon.pid — single-instance lock

Switching modes​

Demo is the default. To switch to testnet (Arbitrum Sepolia + HL testnet, real signing with fake money) or live (Arbitrum One + HL mainnet, real money):

  • Via dashboard: Settings → Mode → Switch to Testnet / Live
  • Via CLI: axon --live or axon --demo

The mode latch is persisted at ~/.axon/mode.json — the daemon restarts and boots into the latched mode.

Common commands​

CommandWhat it does
axonStart daemon + dashboard (default action)
axon --liveStart in live mode
axon doctorHealth-check config, RPC, venues, agent runtimes
axon addressPrint your owner EOA + trading address
axon installAuto-configure MCP server in every detected agent runtime
axon kill-switch onArm the kill switch (halts all trading)
axon kill-switch offDisarm
axon audit verifyRecompute audit-log hash chain
axon telemetry statusShow analytics consent state

Full reference: CLI Commands.

Next​

→ Connect your AI agent — auto-configure Claude Code, Cursor, Cline, etc.