Forge — Windows Project Bootstrapper CLI
Forge is a Windows command-line tool that helps you start new projects using reusable templates.
It runs real tools like git, python, and uv for you, so you don’t have to repeat the same setup steps every time.
👉 Official templates: https://github.com/Vishnuj-n/forge-templates
Why Forge?
Starting a new project usually means doing the same things again and again:
- Initialize version control
- Set up a language environment
- Create common files like
README.md and .gitignore
- Follow the same structure every time
- Fix mistakes if something fails halfway
Forge lets you save these steps as a template and reuse them with one command.
It does not replace your tools.
It simply runs them for you in a repeatable way.
Example: Python Project
Without Forge
git init
python -m venv .venv
.venv\Scripts\activate
# create README.md
# create .gitignore
# repeat for every project
You do this manually for every new Python project.
With Forge
forge init python
Forge sets up the project in the current directory, runs all required commands, and creates standard files in one step.
When Should You Use Forge?
Forge is useful if you:
- Create many projects with similar setup steps
- Want the same structure every time
- Work mainly on Windows
- Prefer automation over manual setup
- Want to use real tools instead of generators
Features
- Create projects from templates
- Run real ecosystem commands (
git, python, uv, npm)
- Support for global and local templates
- Safe and predictable execution
- Single Go binary (no dependencies)
- Windows-friendly install and uninstall
Installation
-
Download forge.exe from GitHub Releases
https://github.com/Vishnuj-n/forge/releases
-
Open PowerShell in the folder where forge.exe was downloaded
- Shift + Right Click → Open PowerShell here
- Or open PowerShell and
cd into the folder
-
Run:
.\forge.exe install
For silent/automated installation, use:
.\forge.exe install --yes
-
Close and reopen PowerShell
-
Verify:
forge --version
Basic Usage
### Create a project
```powershell
forge init [project-dir]
```
Examples:
```powershell
forge init python # initialize in current directory
forge init python app # creates the template inside app directory
```
### Initialize in current directory
```powershell
forge init git
```
Initializes the project in the **current working directory** which should be empty.
---
### Other Commands
```powershell
forge list # show available templates
forge pull python # download a template
forge new my-temp # create a new template
forge test my-temp # test a template safely
```
---
## Where Templates Are Stored
Forge looks for templates in this order:
1. `./templates` (project-local)
2. `$FORGE_TEMPLATES` (if set)
3. `%USERPROFILE%\.forge\templates` (global)
Global templates are stored in:
```
%USERPROFILE%\.forge\templates
```
---
## How Forge Works
* Forge runs commands exactly as written in the template
* It does not modify or replace your tools
* Interactive tools work normally during `forge init`
* Templates define **commands and files**, not generators
* Projects are never created in global directories
---
## Uninstall
```powershell
forge uninstall
```
This removes:
* Forge executable
* Global templates
* Forge configuration
If removal fails, you may need to delete `forge.exe` manually from your bin folder.
---
## Documentation
* `doc\INSTALL.md` — Installation details
* `doc\TEMPLATE-GUIDE.md` — Writing templates
* `doc\ARCHITECTURE.md` — Internal design
* `CONTRIBUTING.md` — Contribution guide
---
## License
MIT License
---
**Forge helps you start projects faster, with fewer mistakes and less repetition.**