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Getting Started with the Fluent CLI

How-to Guide

Authors:

Lesley Dean, Marco Heuer

Changed on:

24 Oct 2026

Key Points

  • Log in as an Admin and confirm you have permission to install software.
  • Install a patched `Node.js` release (`^22.23.4 || ^24.22.1 || >=26.12.1` for version 2.3.0+; `>=20.0.0 <25.0.0` for versions 2.2.2 to 2.2.x; `>=20.0.0 <23.0.0` for earlier versions) and `npm` (`>=10.5.0`), then verify both are on your path. 
  • Install the Fluent CLI globally
    `npm install -g https://downloads.fluentcommerce.com/v1.0.0/fluent-cli/release/latest`
  • Confirm installation with `fluent changelog list` and explore commands with `fluent --help`

Steps

Step arrow right iconOverview

This page will guide you through preparing your local environment, and installing the Fluent CLI.

Step arrow right iconPrerequisites

Before installing the Fluent CLI, there are few prerequisites required:
  • Make sure you are logged in with an Admin User on your local machine and that you have permissions to install new software.
  • Install a patched version of Node.js (includes npm): Node.js — Download Node.js®.
    Note: From version 2.3.0, the Fluent CLI and the Fluent MCP server require a patched Node.js release: 22.23.4 or later, 24.22.1 or later, or 26.12.1 or later (`^22.23.4 || ^24.22.1 || >=26.12.1`), and Npm versions >=10.5.0. Node.js 20 and the odd-numbered 21, 23 and 25 releases are not supported. Earlier versions of the CLI support Node versions >=20.0.0 <25.0.0 (2.2.2 to 2.2.x) or >=20.0.0 <23.0.0 (before 2.2.2).
  • If an older Node.js release is detected, the CLI and MCP server print an upgrade message and exit with code 1. As a last resort you can set the environment variable `FLUENT_SKIP_NODE_VERSION_CHECK=1` to continue with a warning instead; this is not recommended because the unpatched Node.js release is missing security fixes.
Why this requirement? A recent Node.js security release fixed vulnerabilities. The Fluent CLI handles account credentials and the Fluent MCP server runs unattended inside AI tools, so both refuse to start on a Node.js release that is missing those fixes. Odd-numbered Node.js releases (21, 23, 25) never become LTS and reach end-of-life within months, and Node.js 20 is end-of-life, so there is no patched version of them to require. Install the latest 22.x, 24.x or 26.x release and keep it up to date. Newer major releases are accepted automatically.

Step arrow right iconInstallation

  • Open a Terminal window
  • Make sure you have the correct versions of Node and npm activated on your path:
    • Run `node --version` and verify the version is a patched release: 22.23.4 or later, 24.22.1 or later, or 26.12.1 or later (for version 2.3.0+). For versions 2.2.2 to 2.2.x, the version must be greater than or equal to 20.0.0 and less than 25.0.0.
    • Run `npm --version` and verify the version is greater than or equal to 10.5.0
  • Install the Fluent CLI globally: `npm install -g https://downloads.fluentcommerce.com/v1.0.0/fluent-cli/release/latest`
    • Note: the `v1.0.0` in the URL is the version of the API. You're still downloading the `latest` of the Fluent CLI!
  • Once installed, verify that the Fluent CLI has installed and is active on the path: `fluent changelog list`
  • Optionally, run the help command to view available commands: `fluent --help`

Step arrow right iconNext Steps

Related content

Fluent CLI Reference (v1.x.x)
Edited 27 days ago
This guide covers Fluent CLI v1.x.x, and for newer versions head over to the Fluent CLI Reference v2.UsageThe Fluent CLI is activated by typing the keyword `fluent` into a terminal command line, followed by a Command, Subcommand, Argument and Options:`fluent <command> <subcommand> <argument> [options]`
  • The `<command>` will refer to a noun (or “a thing”).
  • The `<subcommand>` will refer to a verb (or action).
  • The `<argument>` is the primary required name of the “thing” identified by the `<command>`.
  • The `[options]` may include required or optional additional parameters to be used by the `<command>` and `<subcommand>`.
Set up a new Account with Reference Modules and B2C Sample Data
Edited 170 days ago
Lesley Dean

Lesley Dean

Contributors:
Marco Heuer

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