Practical overview
When it fits
Consider the CLI when a terminal-based interaction with Amazon Q Developer fits your application-development workflow and the project’s maintenance status is acceptable for your needs.
Who it is for
- Developers who want to interact with Amazon Q Developer from a command line.
- Rust contributors who want to build, test, lint or format the CLI locally.
Documented uses
- Use a terminal chat interface to interact with Amazon Q Developer.
- Get natural-language assistance while building applications.
- Clone and develop the CLI using its documented Rust and Cargo workflow.
Requirements & limits
The README lists installation options for macOS and Linux. It names a login subcommand in the contributor instructions, but does not describe the complete end-user account or login requirements.
- The project is no longer actively maintained and receives only critical security fixes.
- The README directs users seeking the latest features and updates to Kiro CLI, described there as closed-source.
- The repository offers a Rust/Cargo development workflow, with Xcode 13 or later and Homebrew listed as macOS contributor prerequisites.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Set up a local development environment
Prepare the repository to compile and run the chat CLI on macOS.
Before you start
- macOS
- Xcode 13 or later
- Homebrew
- Rustup
Steps
Clone the repository with the command below.
git clone https://github.com/aws/amazon-q-developer-cli.gitInstall Rust using Rustup, set the default toolchain to stable, and install nightly.
Install
typos-cliwith Cargo.Run the command below to compile and run the CLI.
cargo run --bin chat_cli
Expected outcome
A local build of the chat CLI is compiled and run using the documented Cargo command.
Guide limitations
- The documented contributor prerequisites specify macOS, Xcode 13 or later and Homebrew.
- The project is no longer actively maintained and receives only critical security fixes.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 9 October 2026
- Original website title
- aws/amazon-q-developer-cli · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
Related options
Kiro CLI — The Amazon Q CLI README identifies Kiro CLI as the closed-source product to use for the latest features and updates.

