CLI and scripting

Use the command-line surface to start the local GUI, automate capture and diagnose engine behavior.

Updated 29 July 2026Local API · v1 contract

The CLI is an interface, not an API

OpenSS CLI is a command-line interface for people and shell scripts. It is useful developer documentation because it exposes stable command syntax, flags, output and exit behavior, but it is distinct from the HTTP API contract.

Commands that pair with the API

CommandUse
openss guiStart the local browser GUI and local API on an available loopback port
openss gui --no-openStart without opening a browser; print the launch URL
openss captureCapture a supported app and optionally analyze it from Terminal
openss askSend a direct question through the configured provider
openss doctorCheck Python, architecture, permissions, providers, storage and utilities
openss logsPrint the local rotating log path for diagnosis

Script the safe boundary

Shell
set -euo pipefail\n\nopenss gui --no-open > /tmp/openss-gui.log 2>&1 &\nGUI_PID=$!\n\n# Read the printed local URL and launch token through your own\n# process boundary. Do not hard-code either value.

Continue with the product command reference

The product docs contain the complete source-derived command reference, installation path, provider setup, capture options, history backends and troubleshooting guidance.

Contract source: OpenSS/src/openss/gui/server.py and schemas.py.