Linear CLI toolchain

Choose the right terminal tool for each part of your workflow.

Understand which tools install Linear CLI, connect issues to code, create pull requests and support terminal automation. You only need the tools that match your own environment.

Explore CLI Tools Installation Guide
Install Package tool
Connect Linear CLI
Develop Git or Jujutsu
Deliver GitHub CLI
Select by purpose

Find the tool required for your task

Filter the directory by workflow layer. Each section explains what the tool does, when it is required and which command confirms that it is working.

Core command-line tool

Linear CLI

Required

What it does

Linear CLI is the central tool used to list, view, start, create and update Linear issues from your terminal.

Use it for
Issue and project workflows
Required?
Yes, for every guide on this website
Confirm the CLI is installed Displays the installed version
linear --version
View available commands Opens the terminal help output
linear --help

Ready when: the terminal displays a version and the available command groups.

Browse Command Reference
Installation tools

Homebrew, Deno and package managers

Choose one method

What they do

These tools download and install Linear CLI. The correct choice depends on your operating system and whether you want a global or project-specific installation.

Homebrew
Global installation on macOS or Linux
npm, Bun or pnpm
Project-level JavaScript installation
Deno
Direct installation from JSR
Homebrew installation macOS or Linux
brew install schpet/tap/linear
Project installation with npm Adds Linear CLI as a dependency
npm install -D @schpet/linear-cli

Install Linear CLI with only one method unless your project specifically requires a separate local version.

Compare Installation Methods
Version control

Git or Jujutsu

Choose your project VCS

What they do

Version-control tools provide the development context that Linear CLI uses to identify your current issue.

Git
Detects the issue ID from a branch name
Jujutsu
Detects a Linear-issue commit trailer
Start connected work Works with the configured VCS
linear issue start ENG-123
Verify the connected issue Prints the detected issue ID
linear issue id

Ready when: the CLI prints the issue ID linked to your current branch or commit.

View Version-Control Setup
Pull-request delivery

GitHub CLI

Required for linear issue pr

What it does

GitHub CLI handles the GitHub pull-request process. Linear CLI uses it to prepare a pull request with information from the current Linear issue.

Use it for
Creating GitHub pull requests
Required?
Only when using linear issue pr
Check GitHub authentication Confirms the active account
gh auth status
Create the pull request Uses current issue information
linear issue pr

Ready when: GitHub CLI recognizes your account and the repository has a connected issue.

View GitHub CLI Integration
Terminal productivity

Shell completions and structured output

Optional

What they do

Shell completions make commands easier to discover, while structured JSON output allows scripts and compatible agents to process issue information.

Completions
Faster terminal command discovery
JSON output
Machine-readable issue information
Generate shell completions Follow the terminal instructions
linear completions
Search issues as JSON Useful for scripts and agents
linear issue query --search "login bug" --json

These tools are optional. Start with normal commands before adding automation.

Quick selection

Use only what your workflow requires

Linear CLI is required. Every other tool depends on how your project is installed, versioned and delivered.

Install globally Homebrew, Deno or binary Choose one
Install per project npm, Bun or pnpm Choose one
Connect code to issues Git or Jujutsu Required for context
Create GitHub PRs GitHub CLI Only for pull requests
Automate terminal work Completions and JSON output Optional
Start with the core tool

Install Linear CLI before adding integrations.

Choose the installation method that fits your environment, verify the command and then continue to authentication and configuration.

Install Linear CLI Browse Commands