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Install and upgrade the Harness CLI

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The Harness CLI is distributed as a self-contained binary for macOS and Linux (amd64 and arm64). This guide explains how to install, upgrade, and uninstall the CLI.

What will you learn in this topic?​

By the end of this guide, you will be able to:

  • Install the Harness CLI using the automated installer or a release archive.
  • Customize the installation for CI/CD systems, containers, and non-standard installation paths.
  • Upgrade to the latest release or install a specific version.
  • Remove the CLI and its local configuration.

Before you begin​

Make sure you have:

  • macOS or Linux (amd64 or arm64).
  • Bash or Zsh.
  • Network access to download binaries and release metadata.

Install the CLI​

Open source

The Harness CLI is open source.

  • View the source code on GitHub.
  • Go to the command reference to view the complete list of supported commands.
  • Download specific versions from the releases page.

We welcome contributions. To report bugs or request features, open an issue. To contribute code, submit a pull request.

Run the installer:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/harness/cli/main/install.sh | sh

The installer:

  • Installs the harness and harness-har binaries.
  • Adds the installation directory to your PATH if necessary.
  • Configures shell completions for supported shells.

Verify the installation:

harness version

If the harness command is not available immediately after installation, restart your shell or reload your shell configuration:

source ~/.zshrc
# or
source ~/.bashrc

Customize the installation​

Pass installer options after sh -s --:

# Install only the core CLI
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/harness/harness-unified-cli/main/install.sh | \
  sh -s -- --core

# Install to a custom location without prompts
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/harness/harness-unified-cli/main/install.sh | \
  sh -s -- --non-interactive --install-dir /usr/local/bin
FlagDescription
--install-dir <path>Installs the binaries to a custom directory.
--coreInstalls only the harness binary.
--non-interactiveSuppresses prompts for automated environments such as CI/CD pipelines and containers.
--no-verifySkips checksum verification after download.

Install manually​

If you prefer not to use the installer, download the appropriate release archive from GitHub Releases, extract the archive, and place the binaries in a directory that is included in your PATH.

Upgrade the CLI​

The CLI can update itself without rerunning the installer:

# Upgrade to the latest release
harness install cli

# Install a specific version
harness install cli --version v1.2.3

# Check for the latest available version
harness install cli --check
FlagDescription
--version <tag>Installs a specific release version.
--install-dir <path>Overrides the installation directory.
--forceReinstalls the CLI even if the target version is already installed.
--checkDisplays the latest available version without installing it.

Uninstall the CLI​

Remove the binaries:

rm "$(command -v harness)" "$(command -v harness-har)" 2>/dev/null

Remove the CLI configuration directory:

rm -rf ~/.harness

Removing the configuration directory also deletes saved profiles, credentials, and CLI settings.

Next steps​

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