Installation

Forge runs anywhere Node.js does. For most people the Quick Start is enough — this page covers requirements and manual installation for existing repos.

Requirements

Tool	Minimum	Recommended
Node.js	20.0	22 LTS
Postgres	14	16
Git	2.30	latest

Install the CLI globally

If you'll create several projects, install the CLI once:

npm install -g @fozmu/forge
forge --version

Add Forge to an existing project

Already have a Next.js app? Add the Forge runtime and run the init command — it detects your setup and only writes what's missing.

npm install @fozmu/forge-runtime
npx forge init

Non-destructive by default

forge init never overwrites an existing file without asking. Pass --force only when you want it to.

Verify the install

forge doctor

forge doctor checks your Node version, database connection, and environment file, then prints a report:

✔ Node.js 22.3.0
✔ Database reachable (postgres://localhost:5432)
✔ .env.local present
✔ All checks passed

If any check fails, the report links to the exact fix.