Darknode CLI

The terminal edition of Darknode — a single command that drives a full security toolkit and hosts Nexus, the AI coding agent. Recon, exploitation helpers, practice labs, governance, and an autonomous AI layer, all from your shell.

Architecture

   You (a command)
        |
        v
   darknode.js  (dispatch + first-run setup)
        |
        +--> nexus ------> Nexus engine (lib/nexus) ---> Ollama (local) | Claude / API (cloud)
        |                    plan -> act -> observe, cost meter, /undo
        |
        +--> toolkit ----> external tools: nmap · sqlmap · nuclei · ffuf · httpx ...
        |
        +--> governance -> identity · usage ledger · compliance bundle
        |
        +--> lab --------> docker practice targets (spin up / tear down)
        v
   Results in your terminal

Most subcommands run through the toolkit or governance layers; nexus (aliases code, ai) hands the turn to the AI engine, which edits files and runs commands against your workspace with a live token/cost readout.

Project Structure

darknode-cli/
├── darknode.js            # entry point + command dispatch
├── lib/
│   ├── cli/              # command implementations & shared CLI helpers
│   ├── nexus/            # the Nexus AI-coder engine
│   ├── governance/       # identity, usage ledger, compliance/policy
│   └── toolkit/          # external-tool drivers (recon / web / passwords / ...)
├── scripts/              # build & release helpers
├── test/                 # test suite (npm test)
├── docs/                 # command reference & guides
│   └── NEXUS.md          # complete Nexus guide (every command explained)
├── package.json
└── README.md

Installation

# from source (Node 18+)
git clone https://github.com/Darknode-Official/darknode-cli
cd darknode-cli && npm install && node darknode.js

# or grab a standalone binary from Releases and put it on PATH

Usage

darknode nexus              # the AI coding agent (interactive TUI)
darknode nexus "fix auth"   # one-shot task
darknode nexus --engine ollama   # local, private models
darknode <tool> ...         # drive the security toolkit

Documentation

See docs/NEXUS.md for the complete Nexus guide — every command, feature, and configuration option explained.

Running Tests

npm test

Engines

Engine	Models	Cost
Claude	opus, sonnet, haiku, fable	Subscription or API
Gemini	gemini-2.5-pro, flash	API
Codex	gpt-5-codex, o4-mini	API
OpenCode	any configured provider	API
Aider	any configured model	API
Ollama	any local model	Free

Key Features

• 6 AI engines behind one interface
• Cost saving: /cowork, /lean, /cheap, /budget, /estimate
• Multi-engine: /race, /ensemble, /bench
• Code tools: /agents, /plan, /review, /commit, /undo
• Security: /guard, /redact, /secrets, /policy, /audit
• Customizable: .nexus/NEXUS.md, custom commands, styles, hooks, MCP servers

Security

The CLI can run external tools and, via Nexus, edit files and run commands. Use it only against systems you're authorized to test, and prefer the local ollama engine for sensitive code. Credentials are never stored in source.

Users bring their own AI API keys. No AI runs on Darknode servers.

License

See LICENSE.