# init (/docs/cli/init)

> For the complete Prisma documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.prisma.io/docs/llms.txt). A markdown version of any docs page is available by appending `.md` to its URL.

Prepare a repository for Prisma development.

Location: CLI > init

`init` prepares the current directory for Prisma development. It runs locally and calls no platform API. It does not scaffold the ORM: use [`orm init`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/orm-init) to add the Prisma ORM config, contract, and runtime files to a project.

`init` does four things:

1. Adds a `postinstall` script to `package.json` (`prisma skills sync || exit 0`), so the [Prisma agent skills](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/skills) resync on every install and upgrade.
2. Adds `prisma` to `devDependencies` in `package.json`, pinned to the CLI's version, unless it is already listed. It does not install it.
3. Scaffolds a `prisma.config.ts` recording which agents to install skills for, in the [`skills` config section](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/configuration#agent-skills).
4. Runs [`skills sync`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/skills) once.

It never prompts, always exits 0, and is safe to rerun: each step reports what is already done. A `prisma.config.ts`, `postinstall` script, or `prisma` entry that already exists is never edited. If `package.json` already has a different `postinstall` script, `init` reports it and tells you what to append instead of chaining or replacing it.

## Usage [#usage]

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx --bun prisma@latest init
bun install
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm dlx prisma@latest init
pnpm install
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn dlx prisma@latest init
yarn install
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma@latest init
npm install
```

If `init` added `prisma`, run the install straight after, so the package is in `node_modules`.

## Options [#options]

| Option                             | What it does                                                                                                                                                       |
| ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `--skills <agents>`                | Agents to install skills for, comma-separated: `claude`, `cursor`, `agents`, `devin`. Pass `none` to record that no agent skills are wanted. Default: all of them. |
| `--postinstall`/`--no-postinstall` | Add the skills-sync `postinstall` hook. `--no-postinstall` skips that step.                                                                                        |

## Examples [#examples]

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx --bun prisma@latest init
bunx --bun prisma@latest init --skills=claude,cursor
bunx --bun prisma@latest init --skills=none
bunx --bun prisma@latest init --no-postinstall
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm dlx prisma@latest init
pnpm dlx prisma@latest init --skills=claude,cursor
pnpm dlx prisma@latest init --skills=none
pnpm dlx prisma@latest init --no-postinstall
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn dlx prisma@latest init
yarn dlx prisma@latest init --skills=claude,cursor
yarn dlx prisma@latest init --skills=none
yarn dlx prisma@latest init --no-postinstall
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma@latest init
npx prisma@latest init --skills=claude,cursor
npx prisma@latest init --skills=none
npx prisma@latest init --no-postinstall
```

## The scaffolded config [#the-scaffolded-config]

`init` writes a minimal `prisma.config.ts` when none exists:

```typescript title="prisma.config.ts"
import { definePrismaConfig } from "prisma/config";

export default definePrismaConfig({
  skills: {
    agents: ["claude", "cursor", "agents", "devin"],
  },
});
```

The `prisma/config` import resolves from your project's `node_modules`. Until `prisma` is installed, commands that read this file stop at `CLI.CONFIG_UNREADABLE`. See [Configuration](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/configuration).

Only `init` writes the `postinstall` hook. [`orm init`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/orm-init) also adds `prisma` to `devDependencies`. [`skills sync`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/skills) never touches `package.json`.

## Related pages

- [`auth`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/auth): Sign in to your Prisma account from the CLI, sign out, and manage workspace sessions.
- [`branch`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/branch): List platform branches for a project.
- [`bucket`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/bucket): Create and manage object-store buckets.
- [`Configuration`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/configuration): Configure Prisma ORM CLI commands with prisma.config.ts and global flags.
- [`contract emit`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/contract-emit): Emit Prisma ORM contract artifacts.