Getting Started

March 8, 2026 · View on GitHub

Prerequisites

  • bash 3.2+ (macOS default is fine)
  • git
  • An AI coding tool: Claude Code, Cursor, or Windsurf

Installation

From your project root — one command:

git clone https://github.com/Fr-e-d/GAAI-framework.git /tmp/gaai && \
  bash /tmp/gaai/.gaai/core/scripts/install.sh --target . --tool claude-code --yes && \
  rm -rf /tmp/gaai

Replace --tool claude-code with --tool cursor or --tool windsurf as needed.

For an interactive install (tool selector prompt):

git clone https://github.com/Fr-e-d/GAAI-framework.git /tmp/gaai && \
  bash /tmp/gaai/.gaai/core/scripts/install.sh --target . && \
  rm -rf /tmp/gaai

The installer will:

  1. Check prerequisites
  2. Ask which AI tool you use (interactive mode) or use --tool flag
  3. Copy .gaai/ into your project
  4. Deploy the right tool adapter (CLAUDE.md, .mdc file, or AGENTS.md)
  5. Run a health check

That's it. Your project now has a .gaai/ folder.

First Session

Claude Code users: Restart your Claude Code session after install. Slash commands (/gaai-bootstrap, /gaai-discover, etc.) are loaded at startup — they won't appear in an already-open session.

Existing project? Run Bootstrap first.

The Bootstrap Agent scans your codebase and builds project memory.

Claude Code: /gaai-bootstrap

Cursor / Windsurf / Other: Ask your AI:

"Read .gaai/README.md and bootstrap this project."

Bootstrap will:

  1. Scan your codebase
  2. Extract architecture decisions
  3. Build memory files in .gaai/project/contexts/memory/
  4. Normalize existing conventions into rules

When it's done, you'll see: ✅ Bootstrap PASS — context ready.

New project? Start with Discovery.

No existing codebase to scan. Go straight to Discovery.

Fill in .gaai/project/contexts/memory/project/context.md with your project's basic context.

Then activate Discovery:

Claude Code: /gaai-discover

Other tools: Tell your AI:

"Read .gaai/core/agents/discovery.agent.md. I want to build [your idea]. Help me create the first Epics and Stories."

Your First Delivery

Once you have Stories in the backlog (status: refined), run the Delivery Loop:

Claude Code: /gaai-deliver

Other tools: Tell your AI:

"Read .gaai/core/agents/delivery.agent.md and .gaai/core/workflows/delivery-loop.workflow.md. Execute the next ready backlog item."

The Delivery Agent will:

  1. Pick the highest-priority refined Story
  2. Build an execution plan
  3. Implement it
  4. Run QA
  5. Report PASS or FAIL

Check Your Status

At any time:

Claude Code: /gaai-status

Other tools: Ask:

"Read .gaai/project/contexts/backlog/active.backlog.yaml and give me a summary of what's ready to deliver."

What's Next

  • Add more Stories through Discovery
  • Customize rules in .gaai/project/contexts/rules/
  • Review the skills catalog: .gaai/core/skills/README.skills.md
  • Read Core Concepts for deeper understanding

→ Quick Start for a concrete walkthrough → Senior Engineer Guide for governance customization