# how-to-run-cli

> Run CLI tools like Claude Code and Opencode in OpenClaw's non-interactive environment. Use when executing AI CLI tools (claude, opencode) that hang or fail in automated contexts. Required for any task involving running Claude Code or Opencode commands from OpenClaw.

- Author: Mark Berjanskii
- Repository: mberjans/openclaw-skills
- Version: 20260209041332
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 0
- Last Updated: 2026-02-09
- Source: https://github.com/mberjans/openclaw-skills
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@mberjans/openclaw-skills~how-to-run-cli:20260209041332

---

---
name: how-to-run-cli
description: Run CLI tools like Claude Code and Opencode in OpenClaw's non-interactive environment. Use when executing AI CLI tools (claude, opencode) that hang or fail in automated contexts. Required for any task involving running Claude Code or Opencode commands from OpenClaw.
---

# How To Run CLI Tools in OpenClaw

## Overview

This skill provides the correct method for running interactive CLI tools (Claude Code, Opencode) in OpenClaw's non-interactive environment. These tools hang indefinitely when run normally because they expect interactive terminal sessions.

## The Problem

CLI tools like Claude Code and Opencode work fine in interactive SSH sessions but hang forever when run via OpenClaw's `exec` tool or Python subprocess. They wait for interactive prompts (API key confirmation, permissions) that never arrive.

## The Solution

Use `setsid` to create a new session and redirect stdin from `/dev/null`:

```bash
bash -c 'cd /home/openclaw && TERM=dumb setsid /path/to/cli-tool --flags -p "prompt" </dev/null 2>&1'
```

### Required Components

1. **`setsid`** - Creates a new session, detaching from parent terminal
2. **`</dev/null`** - Provides empty stdin so tool doesn't wait for input  
3. **`TERM=dumb`** - Sets simple terminal type to avoid TTY issues
4. **`2>&1`** - Captures both stdout and stderr

## Quick Reference

### Claude Code

```bash
bash -c 'cd /home/openclaw && TERM=dumb setsid /home/openclaw/.local/bin/claude --model glm-4.7 --dangerously-skip-permissions -p "Your prompt here" </dev/null 2>&1'
```

**Optional flags:**
- `--output-format json` - Structured JSON output
- `--max-turns N` - Limit turns (default: 3)

### Opencode

```bash
bash -c 'cd /home/openclaw && TERM=dumb setsid /home/openclaw/.opencode/bin/opencode run -m opencode/kimi-k2.5-free "Your prompt" </dev/null 2>&1'
```

## Common Issues

| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| Hanging, no output | Missing `setsid` or `</dev/null` | Use full command pattern above |
| "error_max_turns" | Hit turn limit | Add `--max-turns 5` or higher |
| API key prompts | Not properly detached | Ensure `setsid` is included |

## Python Subprocess

```python
import subprocess

cmd = """bash -c 'cd /home/openclaw && TERM=dumb setsid /home/openclaw/.local/bin/claude --model glm-4.7 --dangerously-skip-permissions -p "Your prompt" </dev/null 2>&1'"""

result = subprocess.run(cmd, shell=True, capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=60)
print(result.stdout)
```

## Resources

### references/
- **[cli-running-guide.md](references/cli-running-guide.md)** - Detailed guide with examples and troubleshooting