Academy → Using HermesOfficial documentation · clear explanation

CLI Interface

CLI Interface

Developer20 minutes3 questions2026-08-09
The idea in one minute

Start with meaning, then move to detail.

This lesson explains CLI Interface as part of Hermes internals and extension points. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.

If you are new

If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?

For hands-on use

For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.

For specialists

For advanced readers, inspect Running the CLI, Plugin management, Interface Layout, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.

What do you need first?

Know Python, Git, and basic project structure before changing code.

What will you know?

A clear outcome before you read.

  • Understand CLI Interface without assumed prior knowledge.
  • Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
  • Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Lesson terms

Short definitions before the details.

Session & memory
A session holds conversation context, while memory keeps selected facts that should persist.
Skill
An instruction bundle that teaches Hermes a repeatable workflow without necessarily adding an external service.
Official page description

Master the Hermes Agent terminal interface — commands, keybindings, personalities, and more

Topic map

What does the source say, and in what order?

  1. 01
    Running the CLI

    Start here to understand the core idea or structure.

  2. 02
    Plugin management

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  3. 03
    Interface Layout

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  4. 04
    Status Bar

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  5. 05
    Session Resume Display

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  6. 06
    Keybindings

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  7. 07
    ! Shell Mode

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  8. 08
    Slash Commands

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  9. 09
    Quick Commands

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  10. 10
    Preloading Skills at Launch

    Finish here to verify the result and special cases.

Examples from the official page

Copy only after you understand the effect.

# Start an interactive session (default) hermes # Single query mode (non-interactive) hermes chat -q "Hello" # With a specific model hermes chat --model "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4" # With a specific provider hermes chat --provider nous # Use Nous Portal hermes chat --provider openrouter # Force OpenRouter # With specific toolsets hermes chat --toolsets "web,terminal,skills" # Start with one or more skills preloaded hermes -s hermes-agent-dev,github-auth hermes chat -s github-pr-workflow -q "open a draft PR" # Resume previous sessions hermes --continue # Resume the mos
hermes plugins install owner/repository --no-enable hermes plugins list hermes plugins enable <plugin-name> hermes plugins disable <plugin-name> hermes plugins update <plugin-name> hermes plugins remove <plugin-name>
⚕ claude-sonnet-4-20250514 │ 12.4K/200K │ [██████░░░░] 6% │ $0.06 │ 15m
Try it now

Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.

Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.

Knowledge check

Three decisions before completion.

1. What is the source of truth when “CLI Interface” changes?
2. What is the best way to apply this lesson?
3. What should happen before a step can modify files or an external account?