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Requirements

AXON requires Python 3.12 or higher. 
python --version  # Should be 3.12+

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Install from PyPI

The simplest way to install AXON is via pip: 
pip install axon-lang
The basic installation includes the compiler and runtime with zero dependencies. Install [tools] for real tool backends like WebSearch, or [all] for everything including model provider SDKs.

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Install from Source

For development or to get the latest changes:
1

Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/Bemarking/axon-ai.git
cd axon-ai
2

Create a virtual environment

python -m venv .venv
Activate it:
source .venv/bin/activate
3

Install in editable mode

pip install -e ".[tools,dev]"
This installs AXON with:
  • Real tool backends (tools)
  • Development dependencies (dev) - pytest, ruff, etc.

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Verify Installation

Check that AXON is installed correctly: 
axon version
You should see output like: 
axon-lang 0.4.0a0

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API Keys Configuration

AXON supports multiple LLM backends and tool providers. Configure the ones you need:

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Model Provider Keys

Get your API key from console.anthropic.com
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-api03-..."

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Tool Backend Keys

If you installed axon-lang[tools], configure tool backends:

Serper (Web Search)

Get your key at serper.dev
export SERPER_API_KEY="your-serper-key"
Free tier: 2,500 queries one-time

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Using .env Files

For convenience, create a .env file in your project root:
1

Copy the example file

cp .env.example .env
2

Edit .env with your keys

The example file looks like this:
.env
# ── Model Providers ──────────────────────────────
OPENAI_API_KEY="sk-proj-..."
API_KEY_GEMINI="AIza..."
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-api03-..."

# ── Tool Backends ────────────────────────────────
SERPER_API_KEY="your-serper-key"
Never commit .env to version control. It’s already in .gitignore.

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Available Installation Extras

AXON supports several optional dependency groups:
ExtraWhat it includesInstall with
toolshttpx for WebSearch backendpip install axon-lang[tools]
anthropicClaude SDKpip install axon-lang[anthropic]
openaiGPT SDKpip install axon-lang[openai]
geminiGemini SDKpip install axon-lang[gemini]
ollamaOllama SDK (local models)pip install axon-lang[ollama]
allAll of the abovepip install axon-lang[all]
devpytest, ruff, build toolspip install axon-lang[dev]
For development, none of the API keys are required — stub tools work without keys and allow you to test the compiler and runtime.

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Tool System Modes

AXON’s tool system supports three modes: 
from axon.runtime.tools import create_default_registry

# Safe for tests — no API calls, no I/O
registry = create_default_registry(mode="stub")

# Real backends where available, stubs elsewhere
registry = create_default_registry(mode="hybrid")

# Only real backends (fails if deps missing)
registry = create_default_registry(mode="real")

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Next Steps

Quickstart Guide

Build your first AXON program

CLI Reference

Learn all CLI commands

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