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    "article": "\n# Installation Guide\n\nThis guide walks you through installing Babysitter on your system. By the end, you will have a fully working Babysitter installation ready for your first run.\n\n**Estimated time:** 5-10 minutes\n\n---\n\n## Table of Contents\n\n- [Prerequisites Check](#prerequisites-check)\n- [Installation Methods](#installation-methods)\n  - [Method 1: Quick Install (Recommended)](#method-1-quick-install-recommended)\n  - [Method 2: Step-by-Step Install](#method-2-step-by-step-install)\n- [Platform-Specific Instructions](#platform-specific-instructions)\n  - [macOS](#macos)\n  - [Linux](#linux)\n  - [Windows](#windows)\n- [Plugin Installation](#plugin-installation)\n- [Verification](#verification)\n- [Keeping Updated](#keeping-updated)\n- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)\n\n---\n\n## Prerequisites Check\n\nBefore installing Babysitter, let's verify your system is ready.\n\n### Required: Node.js 20.0.0+\n\n```bash\nnode --version\n```\n\n**Expected output:** `v20.x.x` or `v22.x.x`\n\nIf you see a lower version or \"command not found,\" install Node.js:\n\n**Using nvm (recommended):**\n```bash\n# Install nvm if you don't have it\ncurl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash\n\n# Restart your terminal, then:\nnvm install 22\nnvm use 22\n```\n\n**Direct download:** Visit [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/) and download the LTS version.\n\n### Required: Claude Code\n\n```bash\nclaude --version\n```\n\n**Expected output:** Claude Code version information\n\nIf Claude Code is not installed, follow the [Claude Code installation guide](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code) first.\n\n### Required: jq (JSON processor)\n\nMany Babysitter commands output JSON that is processed with `jq`. Install it for your platform:\n\n```bash\njq --version\n```\n\n**Expected output:** `jq-1.6` or higher\n\n**Installation:**\n\n```bash\n# macOS\nbrew install jq\n\n# Ubuntu/Debian\nsudo apt-get install jq\n\n# Fedora/RHEL\nsudo dnf install jq\n\n# Windows (via Chocolatey)\nchoco install jq\n\n# Windows (via Scoop)\nscoop install jq\n```\n\n### Verification Checkpoint\n\nRun this command to verify all prerequisites:\n\n```bash\necho \"Node: $(node --version)\" && echo \"npm: $(npm --version)\" && echo \"Claude: $(claude --version 2>&1 | head -1)\" && echo \"jq: $(jq --version)\"\n```\n\nYou should see version numbers for all four tools. If not, address the missing requirement before continuing.\n\n---\n\n## Installation Methods\n\n### Method 1: Quick Install (Recommended)\n\nCopy and paste this to install the main CLI and the Claude Code plugin:\n\n```bash\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest && \\\nclaude plugin marketplace add a5c-ai/babysitter-claude && \\\nclaude plugin install --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai && \\\nclaude plugin enable --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai\n```\n\nIf you also want headless runtime commands such as `babysitter-agent call`, install the optional runtime CLI too:\n\n```bash\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter-agent@latest\n```\n\nThen restart Claude Code and skip to [Verification](#verification).\n\n### Method 2: Step-by-Step Install\n\nIf you prefer to understand each step, follow along below.\n\n#### Step 1: Install the Main CLI\n\n```bash\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest\n```\n\n**What this installs:**\n- `@a5c-ai/babysitter` - Recommended user-facing package for the `babysitter` CLI\n- `@a5c-ai/babysitter-sdk` - Installed as the underlying SDK/core CLI implementation\n\n**Expected output:**\n```\nadded 1 packages in 15s\n```\n\n**Verify installation:**\n```bash\nbabysitter --version\n```\n\n#### Step 2: Install the Optional Runtime CLI\n\nInstall this only if you need `babysitter-agent` commands for headless orchestration, the internal harness, daemon utilities, MCP serving, or the TUI:\n\n```bash\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter-agent@latest\n```\n\n**Verify installation:**\n```bash\nbabysitter-agent --version\n```\n\n#### Step 3: Install the Claude Code Plugin\n\nThe plugin integrates Babysitter with Claude Code and enables the `/babysitter:*` slash-command surface.\n\n```bash\n# Add the plugin repository\nclaude plugin marketplace add a5c-ai/babysitter-claude\n\n# Install the plugin\nclaude plugin install --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai\n\n# Enable the plugin\nclaude plugin enable --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai\n```\n\n**Expected output:**\n```\nPlugin 'babysitter@a5c.ai' installed successfully\nPlugin 'babysitter@a5c.ai' enabled\n```\n\n#### Step 4: Restart Claude Code\n\n**Important:** You must restart Claude Code for the plugin to load.\n\n- Close all Claude Code windows/sessions\n- Reopen Claude Code\n\n---\n\n## Platform-Specific Instructions\n\n### macOS\n\n**Prerequisites:**\n```bash\n# Install Homebrew if you don't have it\n/bin/bash -c \"$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)\"\n\n# Install Node.js via nvm (recommended)\nbrew install nvm\nmkdir ~/.nvm\necho 'export NVM_DIR=\"$HOME/.nvm\"' >> ~/.zshrc\necho '[ -s \"/opt/homebrew/opt/nvm/nvm.sh\" ] && \\. \"/opt/homebrew/opt/nvm/nvm.sh\"' >> ~/.zshrc\nsource ~/.zshrc\n\nnvm install 22\nnvm use 22\n```\n\n**Installation:**\n```bash\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest\n```\n\n**Permission Issues?**\nIf you see `EACCES` permission errors:\n\n```bash\n# Option 1: Fix npm permissions (recommended)\nmkdir ~/.npm-global\nnpm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'\necho 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.zshrc\nsource ~/.zshrc\n\n# Then retry installation\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest\n```\n\n### Linux\n\n**Ubuntu/Debian:**\n```bash\n# Install Node.js via NodeSource\ncurl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -\nsudo apt-get install -y nodejs\n\n# Verify\nnode --version  # Should show v22.x.x\n\n# Install Babysitter\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest\n```\n\n**Fedora/RHEL/CentOS:**\n```bash\n# Install Node.js via NodeSource\ncurl -fsSL https://rpm.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo bash -\nsudo yum install -y nodejs\n\n# Install Babysitter\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest\n```\n\n**Arch Linux:**\n```bash\nsudo pacman -S nodejs npm\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest\n```\n\n### Windows\n\n**Recommended: Use WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux)**\n\nWSL2 provides the best experience for Babysitter on Windows:\n\n```powershell\n# In PowerShell (Admin)\nwsl --install\n\n# Restart your computer, then open Ubuntu from Start Menu\n# Follow the Linux (Ubuntu) instructions above\n```\n\n**Native Windows (Git Bash):**\n\n1. Install [Node.js for Windows](https://nodejs.org/en/download/)\n2. Install [Git for Windows](https://git-scm.com/download/win) (includes Git Bash)\n3. Open Git Bash and run:\n\n```bash\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest\n```\n\n**Note:** Some shell commands in Babysitter may require Git Bash or WSL. PowerShell/CMD support is limited.\n\n---\n\n## Plugin Installation\n\nThe Claude Code plugin provides the `/babysitter:*` command surface that orchestrates Babysitter runs.\n\n### Install the Plugin\n\n```bash\n# Step 1: Add the marketplace repository\nclaude plugin marketplace add a5c-ai/babysitter-claude\n```\n\n**Expected:** `Marketplace 'a5c.ai' added`\n\n```bash\n# Step 2: Install the plugin\nclaude plugin install --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai\n```\n\n**Expected:** `Plugin 'babysitter@a5c.ai' installed`\n\n```bash\n# Step 3: Enable the plugin\nclaude plugin enable --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai\n```\n\n**Expected:** `Plugin 'babysitter@a5c.ai' enabled`\n\n### Verify Plugin Installation\n\nAfter restarting Claude Code, run:\n\n```\n/skills\n```\n\nYou should see **\"babysit\"** in the list of available skills.\n\nIf you don't see it:\n1. Make sure you restarted Claude Code\n2. Try running `claude plugin list` to see installed plugins\n3. Check the [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) section\n\n---\n\n## Recommended Tools\n\nThe following tools enhance your workflow when using Babysitter. These are optional but highly recommended for a more productive development experience.\n\n### Playwright Skill Plugin\n\n**Browser automation for testing and validation**\n\nThe Playwright Skill Plugin enables Claude to write and execute browser automation tests, take screenshots, fill forms, and validate web applications. This is essential for testing web applications and verifying UI functionality during development.\n\n**Why use it:**\n- Automate browser-based testing directly through Claude\n- Capture screenshots for visual validation\n- Test form submissions and user interactions\n- Verify web application behavior without leaving your terminal\n\n**Installation:**\n\nRun these commands in Claude Code CLI:\n\n```bash\n# Add the plugin from marketplace\n/plugin marketplace add lackeyjb/playwright-skill\n\n# Install the skill\n/plugin install playwright-skill@playwright-skill\n\n# Run setup to configure Playwright browsers\ncd ~/.claude/plugins/marketplaces/playwright-skill/skills/playwright-skill && npm run setup\n```\n\n> **Note:** Restart Claude Code after installation to activate the plugin.\n\n### GitHub CLI (gh)\n\n**Official GitHub command-line interface**\n\nThe GitHub CLI allows Claude to seamlessly manage GitHub issues, pull requests, actions, and releases through natural language. Claude can create PRs, manage issues, check CI status, and debug GitHub Actions failures directly from the terminal.\n\n**Why use it:**\n- Create and manage pull requests without leaving your workflow\n- Track and update issues through natural language commands\n- Monitor CI/CD pipeline status and debug failures\n- Manage releases and repository settings efficiently\n\n**Installation:**\n\n```bash\n# macOS\nbrew install gh\n\n# Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)\nsudo apt install gh\n\n# Linux (Fedora/RHEL)\nsudo dnf install gh\n\n# Windows\nwinget install GitHub.cli\n```\n\n**Post-installation:**\n\nAuthenticate with your GitHub account:\n\n```bash\ngh auth login\n```\n\nFollow the interactive prompts to complete authentication. This grants Claude access to manage your repositories and perform GitHub operations on your behalf.\n\n---\n\n## Verification\n\nLet's confirm everything is working correctly.\n\n### Verification Checklist\n\nRun each command and verify the expected result:\n\n#### 1. Core CLI Installed\n```bash\nbabysitter --version\n```\n**Expected:** Current release version (for this repository, `5.0.0`)\n\n#### 2. Optional Runtime CLI Installed\n\nIf you installed `@a5c-ai/babysitter-agent`:\n\n```bash\nbabysitter-agent --version\n```\n\n**Expected:** Current release version (for this repository, `5.0.0`)\n\n#### 3. Plugin Active\nIn Claude Code, type:\n```\n/skills\n```\n**Expected:** \"babysit\" appears in the list\n\n#### 4. Full Integration Test\nIn Claude Code:\n```\nclaude \"/babysitter:call echo hello world\"\n```\n**Expected:** Babysitter creates a run and executes successfully\n\n### Verification Summary\n\n| Check | Command | Expected |\n|-------|---------|----------|\n| jq | `jq --version` | jq-1.6 or higher |\n| Core CLI | `babysitter --version` | `5.0.0` |\n| Runtime CLI | `babysitter-agent --version` | `5.0.0` if installed |\n| Plugin | `/skills` in Claude Code | \"babysit\" listed |\n\n**All checks passed?** You're ready for the [Quickstart](./quickstart.md)!\n\n---\n\n## Keeping Updated\n\nBabysitter is actively developed. Keep your installation current for the latest features and fixes.\n\n### Update CLI Packages\n\n```bash\nnpm update -g @a5c-ai/babysitter @a5c-ai/babysitter-agent\n```\n\n### Update Claude Code Plugin\n\n```bash\n# Update the marketplace repository\nclaude plugin marketplace update a5c.ai\n\n# Update the plugin\nclaude plugin update babysitter@a5c.ai\n```\n\n**Tip:** Run updates regularly, ideally daily or weekly.\n\n### Check Current Versions\n\n```bash\n# Core CLI version\nbabysitter --version\n\n# Runtime CLI version (if installed)\nbabysitter-agent --version\n\n# Plugin version\nclaude plugin list | grep babysitter\n```\n\n---\n\n## Troubleshooting\n\n### Installation Issues\n\n#### \"command not found: npm\" or \"command not found: node\"\n\n**Problem:** Node.js is not installed or not in your PATH.\n\n**Solution:**\n1. Install Node.js from [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/)\n2. Restart your terminal\n3. Verify: `node --version`\n\n#### \"EACCES: permission denied\" during npm install\n\n**Problem:** npm doesn't have permission to install global packages.\n\n**Solution (macOS/Linux):**\n```bash\n# Create a directory for global packages\nmkdir ~/.npm-global\nnpm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'\n\n# Add to your shell profile (~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc, etc.)\necho 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.zshrc\nsource ~/.zshrc\n\n# Retry installation\nnpm install -g @a5c-ai/babysitter@latest\n```\n\n#### \"Cannot find module '@a5c-ai/babysitter-sdk'\"\n\n**Problem:** You are importing the SDK in code, but `@a5c-ai/babysitter-sdk` is not installed in that project.\n\n**Solution:**\n```bash\n# Install the SDK as a project dependency when authoring custom processes\nnpm install @a5c-ai/babysitter-sdk\n\n# Verify the main CLI separately\nbabysitter --version\n```\n\n### Plugin Issues\n\n#### Plugin not appearing in /skills\n\n**Problem:** Plugin not installed, not enabled, or Claude Code not restarted.\n\n**Solution:**\n```bash\n# Check if installed\nclaude plugin list\n\n# If not listed, install\nclaude plugin marketplace add a5c-ai/babysitter-claude\nclaude plugin install --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai\nclaude plugin enable --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai\n\n# Restart Claude Code completely\n```\n\n#### \"Plugin not found: babysitter@a5c.ai\"\n\n**Problem:** Plugin repository not added.\n\n**Solution:**\n```bash\n# Add the marketplace first\nclaude plugin marketplace add a5c-ai/babysitter-claude\n\n# Then install\nclaude plugin install --scope user babysitter@a5c.ai\n```\n\n### Runtime Issues\n\n#### \"Run encountered an error\"\n\n**Problem:** Journal conflict or corrupted state.\n\n**Solution:**\n```bash\n# Check journal integrity\ncat .a5c/runs/<runId>/journal/journal.jsonl | head\n\n# Ask Claude to analyze\nclaude \"Analyze the babysitter run error for <runId> and try to recover\"\n```\n\n### Getting More Help\n\nIf you're still stuck:\n\n1. **Check the logs:** Look for error messages in terminal output\n2. **Search issues:** [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/a5c-ai/babysitter/issues)\n3. **Ask the community:** [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/a5c-ai/babysitter/discussions)\n4. **Report a bug:** Create a new issue with:\n   - Your OS and version\n   - Node.js version\n   - Claude Code version\n   - Full error message\n   - Steps to reproduce\n\n---\n\n## Next Steps\n\nCongratulations! You have Babysitter installed and ready to go.\n\n**Your next step:** [Quickstart Tutorial](./quickstart.md) - Build your first feature in 10 minutes!\n\n---\n\n## Quick Reference\n\nCommands you'll use most often:\n\n```bash\n# Start a new babysitter run\nclaude \"/babysitter:call <your request>\"\n\n# Resume a run\nclaude \"/babysitter:call resume the babysitter run\"\n\n# Update everything\nnpm update -g @a5c-ai/babysitter @a5c-ai/babysitter-agent\nclaude plugin update babysitter@a5c.ai\n```\n",
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