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CLI Reference (ctx)

The ctx CLI serves as the central command-line interface for context security inspection, policy testing, kernel sandboxing, and package management.


Core Command Matrix

Command Syntax Description
init ctx init [--template=<name>] Initializes repository with ctxsec.yaml and .agents/ hooks.
hook ctx hook --format=<antigravity\|claude> StdIn lifecycle hook adapter for AI agent platforms.
exec ctx exec [--role=<role>] -- <command> Executes a command wrapped in the OS in-kernel sandbox.
policy ctx policy check --facts=<facts.json> Evaluates candidate context facts against local CEL policies.
registry ctx registry <search\|install\|verify> Manages Ed25519-signed agent skills and tool manifests.
sandbox ctx sandbox <inspect\|detect\|test> Inspects and validates host OS kernel sandboxing primitives.
version ctx version Prints binary version, git commit, and compile time.

Command Details

ctx hook

Reads an agent's tool execution request on stdin (JSON format), evaluates CEL policies and role limits, and emits an allow/deny/ask decision on stdout.

echo '{"toolCall":{"name":"run_command","args":{"CommandLine":"npm test"}}}' | ctx hook --format=antigravity

ctx exec

Executes an arbitrary command wrapped inside Apple Seatbelt or Linux Bubblewrap:

ctx exec --role=researcher -- git status

ctx registry install

Downloads an agent skill, verifies the Ed25519 signature against the registry trust root, and places it into .agents/skills/:

ctx registry install ctxsec/guard-pii