Install

Cadence runs inside Claude Code. You’ll need Claude Code with plugin support, Node.js and Git on your path, plus the CLI for the forge that hosts your repository:

Sign in through your chosen CLI before setting up a project. Cadence uses that identity for forge operations. The testing policy’s CI enforcement currently supports GitHub Actions only.

Add the plugin

Run these commands in Claude Code:

/plugin marketplace add https://github.com/crenshawdev/cadence.git
/plugin install cadence@cadence

Cadence’s scripts have no runtime package dependencies. Installing Cadence doesn’t require an npm install. The project you build with it will still need its own tools and dependencies.

To see the commands:

/cadence:cad-help

This guide writes the full /cadence:cad- names so you can use the examples directly.

Permissions

Cadence’s shell commands go through Claude Code’s permission checks. Your permission mode and allowed-command rules determine when it asks. An unattended workflow still needs permission to run its commands.

Publishing has additional controls. Accepting a testing policy doesn’t authorize verification pushes; you make that choice separately through /cadence:cad-config --testing.

The permissions and data reference describes provider calls, credentials and files outside your project.

Update or remove

/plugin update cadence@cadence

/plugin uninstall cadence@cadence

Once installed, start or adopt a project.