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Scaffold a complete Athena workspace in under 30 seconds. Creates the required directory structure, template files, and optional IDE-specific configuration.

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Usage

athena init [TARGET] [OPTIONS]

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Arguments

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target
path
Target directory to initialize. Use . for current directory. If omitted and --here is not specified, initializes in current directory.

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Options

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--here
flag
Initialize in current directory (alias for athena init .)
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--ide
string
Generate IDE-specific configuration filesChoices: antigravity, cursor, vscode, gemini, kilocode, roocode

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Examples

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Initialize in Current Directory

athena init .
Output: 
🏛️  ATHENA INIT
============================================================

📁 Creating directories...
   ✅ .agent/workflows/
   ✅ .agent/scripts/
   ✅ .agent/skills/protocols/
   ✅ .framework/modules/
   ✅ .context/memories/session_logs/
   ✅ .context/data/
   ✅ .athena_root (workspace marker)

📝 Creating template files...
   ✅ .framework/modules/Core_Identity.md
   ✅ .agent/workflows/start.md
   ✅ .agent/workflows/end.md
   ✅ .agent/workflows/save.md
   ✅ .context/project_state.md

============================================================
✅ ATHENA WORKSPACE INITIALIZED
============================================================

🚀 Next steps:
   1. Open this folder in your AI IDE
   2. Type "/start" to boot your agent
   3. Work with your agent, then type "/end" to save

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Initialize with Cursor Config

athena init . --ide cursor
Creates .cursor/rules.md with Athena-specific agent instructions.

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Initialize with Antigravity Config

athena init --here --ide antigravity
Creates AGENTS.md with Athena workspace context.

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Initialize New Project Directory

athena init my-agent-project
This will create a new directory called my-agent-project. Currently, the target directory must exist first.

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Directory Structure

The init command creates the following structure: 
.
├── .athena_root                    # Workspace marker for path discovery
├── .agent/
│   ├── workflows/                  # Workflow definitions (start, end, save)
│   ├── scripts/                    # Automation scripts
│   └── skills/
│       └── protocols/              # Skill protocols and patterns
├── .framework/
│   └── modules/
│       └── Core_Identity.md        # Agent identity and operating principles
└── .context/
    ├── project_state.md            # Single source of truth for project status
    ├── data/                       # Structured data storage
    └── memories/
        └── session_logs/           # Session log archive

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Template Files

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Core Identity

.framework/modules/Core_Identity.md defines your agent’s:
  • Operating principles
  • Reasoning standards
  • Memory-first approach
  • Success metrics

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Workflow Templates

Three essential workflows are created:
  1. start.md - Boot sequence
  2. end.md - Session close and save
  3. save.md - Quicksave checkpoint

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Project State

.context/project_state.md tracks:
  • System health status
  • Session count
  • Recent changes
  • Project-specific notes

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IDE-Specific Configuration

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Antigravity (--ide antigravity)

Creates AGENTS.md with:
  • Boot sequence: athena
  • Save sequence: athena --end
  • Quicksave: athena save "summary"
  • Directory context guide

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Cursor (--ide cursor)

Creates .cursor/rules.md with:
  • Athena workspace context
  • Key directory explanations
  • Session discipline workflow
  • Boot command instructions

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VS Code (--ide vscode)

Creates .vscode/settings.json with:
  • Markdown file associations
  • Word wrap enabled
  • Python cache exclusions
  • Markdown preview settings

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Gemini (--ide gemini)

Creates .gemini/AGENTS.md with:
  • Workspace context
  • Directory structure guide
  • Session command table
  • Quick reference

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Kilo Code (--ide kilocode)

Creates .kilocode/rules/athena.md with:
  • Full context guide
  • Slash command reference
  • Session discipline
  • Boot instructions

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Roo Code (--ide roocode)

Creates .roo/rules/athena.md with:
  • Workspace operating principles
  • Slash command table
  • Session workflow
  • Directory context

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Exit Codes

CodeMeaning
0Workspace initialized successfully
1Initialization failed

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Next Steps

After initializing your workspace:
1

Open in your IDE

Open the initialized directory in your AI-powered IDE (Cursor, Windsurf, etc.)
2

Boot your agent

Run athena or type /start in your IDE
3

Verify setup

Run athena check to verify the workspace is properly configured
4

Start building

Begin your first session and let your agent learn your patterns

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