Installation

Install Genkit for JavaScript, Go, or Python to start building AI-powered applications

Genkit is available for multiple programming languages. Choose your preferred language and follow the installation instructions below.

JavaScript/TypeScript

Genkit for JavaScript/TypeScript is production-ready with full feature support.

Install Genkit Core

Install the core Genkit package using your preferred package manager:

npm

npm install genkit

Install Model Provider Plugin

Genkit uses plugins to integrate with AI model providers. Install at least one provider:

Google AI (Gemini)

npm install @genkit-ai/google-genai

Install Genkit CLI

The Genkit CLI provides development tools including the Developer UI for testing and debugging:

npm install -g genkit-cli

Verify the installation:

genkit --version

Go

Genkit for Go is production-ready with full feature support.

Install Genkit Package

Add Genkit to your Go project:

go get github.com/firebase/genkit/go

Install Plugin Packages

Install the provider plugin you want to use:

Google AI

go get github.com/firebase/genkit/go/plugins/googlegenai

Anthropic

go get github.com/firebase/genkit/go/plugins/anthropic

Ollama

go get github.com/firebase/genkit/go/plugins/ollama

Install Genkit CLI

The CLI is the same for all languages:

curl -sL cli.genkit.dev | bash

Or using npm:

npm install -g genkit-cli

Python

Python support is currently in Alpha with core functionality available.

Genkit for Python is in early development. The core features are functional, but the API may change.

Install Genkit Core

Install using pip:

pip install genkit

Or using uv (recommended for faster installs):

curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
uv pip install genkit

Install with Provider Plugin

You can install Genkit with provider plugins as optional dependencies:

Google AI

pip install "genkit[google-genai]"

Ollama

pip install "genkit[ollama]"

OpenAI Compatible

pip install "genkit[openai]"

Install Genkit CLI

The CLI works across all languages:

npm install -g genkit-cli

Next Steps

Once you’ve installed Genkit, continue with the quickstart guide for your language:

JavaScript Quickstart

Get started with JavaScript/TypeScript

Go Quickstart

Get started with Go

Python Quickstart

Get started with Python

Verify Your Installation

To verify everything is installed correctly:

1. Check that your language-specific package is available (import it in your code)
2. Run genkit --version to confirm the CLI is installed
3. Follow the quickstart for your language to create your first AI application

Troubleshooting

Node.js Version

Genkit requires Node.js 18 or later. Check your version:

node --version

Go Version

Genkit requires Go 1.21 or later:

go version

Python Version

Genkit requires Python 3.10 or later:

python --version

Permission Issues

If you encounter permission errors when installing the CLI globally, you may need to use sudo (on macOS/Linux) or run your terminal as administrator (on Windows).

Alternatively, configure npm to use a different directory for global installations.