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Quick Start

This guide will have you up and running with Cortex TMS in under 5 minutes.

Prerequisites

  • Node.js 18+ installed
  • A project directory (new or existing)
  • (Optional) Claude Code or GitHub Copilot for AI assistance

Installation & Setup

  1. Install Cortex TMS globally

    Terminal window
    npm install -g cortex-tms@2.6.0

    Or use npx to skip installation:

    Terminal window
    npx cortex-tms@2.6.0 init

Step 2: Initialize your project

Navigate to your project directory and run:

Terminal window
cd your-project
cortex-tms init

You’ll be prompted to choose:

  • Project type: Basic, Full, or Custom
  • Features: ADRs, Patterns, Glossary, etc.

For this tutorial, select “Full” to get all features.

Step 3: Review generated files

Cortex TMS creates this structure:

your-project/
├── CLAUDE.md              # AI agent instructions
├── NEXT-TASKS.md          # Current objectives
├── CHANGELOG.md           # Version history
├── docs/
│   ├── core/
│   │   ├── PATTERNS.md    # Code conventions
│   │   └── GLOSSARY.md    # Terminology
│   └── adr/
│       └── 0001-example-adr.md
└── .github/
    └── copilot-instructions.md

Step 4: Customize for your project

Open CLAUDE.md and update:

  • Role: Your AI assistant’s persona
  • CLI Commands: Add your test/build commands
  • Operational Loop: Modify the workflow if needed

Example customization:

## 💻 CLI Commands


- **Test**: `npm test` or `pytest`
- **Lint**: `npm run lint`
- **Build**: `npm run build`

Step 5: Test with Claude Code (if installed)

Open your project in Claude Code:

Terminal window
claude-code your-project

Claude will automatically read CLAUDE.md and follow your instructions!

Try asking: “What’s the current task?” — Claude will read NEXT-TASKS.md.

Verify Setup

Run the validation command to ensure everything is configured correctly:

Terminal window
cortex-tms validate --strict

You should see:

✓ CLAUDE.md exists and is valid
✓ NEXT-TASKS.md exists and is well-formed
✓ All ADRs follow naming convention
✓ No dead links in documentation


Project health: EXCELLENT

What’s Next?

Update NEXT-TASKS.md

Edit NEXT-TASKS.md to add your first real task:

## Current Objective


Implement user authentication using JWT tokens.


**Why**: We need secure API access for the mobile app.


**Acceptance Criteria**:
- [ ] JWT token generation on login
- [ ] Token validation middleware
- [ ] Refresh token rotation
- [ ] Tests for auth flow

Create Your First ADR

When you make an architectural decision, document it:

Terminal window
cortex-tms adr new "Use PostgreSQL for user data storage"

This creates docs/adr/0002-use-postgresql-for-user-data-storage.md with a template.

Codify Your Patterns

Edit docs/core/PATTERNS.md to add conventions:

## File Naming


- React components: `PascalCase.tsx`
- Utility functions: `camelCase.ts`
- Test files: `*.test.ts`

Using with AI Agents

With Claude Code

Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md automatically. Just open your project:

Terminal window
claude-code .

With GitHub Copilot

Copilot reads .github/copilot-instructions.md. Cortex TMS generates this with a reference to your main docs:

See CLAUDE.md for full project conventions.

With Cursor

Cursor supports .cursorrules files. You can copy CLAUDE.md content there:

Terminal window
cp CLAUDE.md .cursorrules

Troubleshooting

”Command not found: cortex-tms”

Ensure npm global bin is in your PATH:

Terminal window
npm config get prefix

The output should be in your $PATH. If not, add it:

Terminal window
export PATH="$(npm config get prefix)/bin:$PATH"

“Validation failed: NEXT-TASKS.md malformed”

Check that NEXT-TASKS.md has:

  • A ## Current Objective heading
  • At least one task description
  • Proper Markdown formatting

Run cortex-tms validate --help for detailed error messages.

Next Steps

Happy scaffolding! 🚀