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CLI Reference

This is the single command-map page for Tidal. Use it to find the exact command page quickly.

Setup and workflow guidance live elsewhere:

Shared Patterns

Confirmation first

Mutating transaction commands send transactions after review by default. Use --no-confirmation only for unattended or machine-driven execution. Use tidal kick run --headless for timer-driven kick execution that needs plain logs and successful no-op exits.

Local signing

Broadcasting commands resolve the signer from TXN_KEYSTORE_PATH and TXN_KEYSTORE_PASSPHRASE by default. Use --keystore and --password-file only for one-off overrides. The sender is inferred from the resolved keystore.

The private key stays with the machine running the CLI.

Machine-readable output

Read and export-oriented commands may accept --json for scripting. Kick execution uses --headless for automation logs instead of JSON output.

Config overrides

Both executables support path overrides such as --config and the TIDAL_* environment variables documented in Configuration.

Choose The Right CLI

Use tidal when:

  • you are a remote operator calling the hosted or self-hosted API
  • you want the server to own shared state and audit history
  • you want wallet signing to stay local to your workstation
  • you want kick, auction, or log workflows, including from the server host itself

Use tidal-server when:

  • you are operating the host that owns the shared database
  • you are running the scanner, API, or auth management

CLI Client Commands

Command Use it when Reference
tidal init You are bootstrapping a workstation or refreshing scaffold files CLI Client: tidal init
tidal kick You want to inspect or execute kick candidates through the API CLI Client: tidal kick
tidal auction You want to deploy, enable, or settle auctions through the API CLI Client: tidal auction
tidal logs You want historical kick and scan data from the API CLI Client: tidal logs

Server Operator Commands

Command Use it when Reference
tidal-server db You need to apply migrations Server Operator: tidal-server db
tidal-server scan You need to run one scan cycle or an explicit scan-side auction maintenance pass Server Operator: tidal-server scan
tidal-server api You need to serve the FastAPI control plane Server Operator: tidal-server api
tidal-server auth You need to create, list, or revoke API keys Server Operator: tidal-server auth