Install the Kit

This tutorial shows you how to install the Eventmodelers Build Kit - Java into your project directory.

Prerequisites

Before installing, ensure you have:

• Node.js 18+ installed (Download)
• JDK 17+ installed (Download)
• Claude Code or another Claude-compatible agent (Get Claude)
• Eventmodelers account with at least one board (Sign up)

Installation

Option 1: Direct Git Install (Recommended)

Install directly from this repository:

npx github:Cratis/Eventmodelers-Build-Kit-Java install

This will:

1. Copy the Cratis starter app (Java backend with Arc + Chronicle, an example slice, and the shared React frontend) into your project root
2. Create a .build-kit/ directory with the agent loop and skills
3. Install Node.js dependencies for the loop
4. Add .build-kit/ to your .gitignore
5. Create .eventmodelers/config.json in your project root
6. Configure the MCP server in .build-kit/.claude/settings.json

Option 2: Upstream CLI with Git Stack

Use the upstream Eventmodelers CLI to install this repository as a git stack:

npx @eventmodelers/cli init --stack cratis-java --git https://github.com/Cratis/Eventmodelers-Build-Kit-Java

This achieves the same result but uses the upstream CLI’s stack management.

During Installation

The installer prompts for your Eventmodelers credentials:

🔑 Enter your Eventmodelers credentials (press Enter to skip any field):

  Organization ID:
  Board ID:
  Token:

Get these from app.eventmodelers.ai/account. You can skip any field and configure it later — see Connect a Board.

After Installation

Start the agent loop:

node .build-kit/ralph-claude.js

Or, using a local Ollama model (run ollama serve first):

OLLAMA_MODEL=qwen3:8b node .build-kit/ralph-ollama.js

Verify the installation:

npx github:Cratis/Eventmodelers-Build-Kit-Java status

You should see:

.build-kit Status

Kit dir:        ✅ installed
Skills:         ✅ installed
Config (root):  ✅ present
Config (kit):   ✅ present

Connected to: https://api.eventmodelers.ai
Organization: <your-org-id>
Board:        <your-board-id>

Build and run the starter app:

docker-compose up -d           # Chronicle development kernel
./gradlew build                # backend
./gradlew bootRun              # run the backend (http://localhost:8080)
npm install && npm run dev     # frontend dev server (http://localhost:5173)

Next Steps

Now that the kit is installed:

1. Connect your Eventmodelers board
2. Mark a slice as Planned on your board
3. Run the kit to implement the slice

Troubleshooting

Installation Fails

If installation fails:

1. Check the Node.js version: node --version (should be 18+)
2. Ensure you’re in a valid project directory
3. Check network connectivity
4. Try running with elevated permissions if needed

Config Not Found

If the kit can’t find your config:

1. Verify .eventmodelers/config.json exists in your project root
2. Check that the JSON is valid: cat .eventmodelers/config.json | jq .
3. Ensure your credentials are correct: app.eventmodelers.ai/account

MCP Server Not Configured

If MCP server configuration fails:

1. Check that .build-kit/.claude/settings.json exists
2. Verify the mcpServers.eventmodelers entry is present
3. Restart Claude Code after installation

See Also

• Connect a Board
• Run Your First Slice
• CLI Commands