Quick Start
Get from zero to a configured machine in four steps.
-
Fork the example repo
Go to dotkit-run/example and use it as a template or fork it. Name the repo
dotkit.It has a working kit with tools, packages, dotfiles, and git config already in place.
-
Make it yours
Edit the files to match what you want on your machine:
- example.dotkit - the entry point, says what runs and in what order
Directorytools/
- community.txt - tools to install (brew, node, rust, uv)
Directorypackages/
- brew.md - Homebrew formulae and casks
Directorydotfiles/
- .zshrc, .gitignore_global - replace with your own dotfiles
Directorygit/
- config.txt - set your name and email
- dotkit.env - variables shared by everything in the kit
Rename
example.dotkitto whatever you want the kit called. Add a second one, saywork.dotkit, and you will be asked which to run. -
Bootstrap a new machine
On any new machine:
Terminal window curl -fsSL dotkit.run/sh | shThe installer clones your
dotkitrepo and runs your kit. -
Add new packages
When you install something new, add it to your dotkit at the same time:
Terminal window dotkit add packages/brew neovimThis adds
neovimto the map block inbrew.txt/brew.mdand installs it immediately. Keep your dotkit up to date with your changes.
Next steps
Section titled “Next steps”- Install → - all bootstrap flags, SSH key setup
- Guides: Kits → - folder structure, choosing a target, environment
- Guides: File Format → - try, map, ask, and plain shell blocks
- Examples: Personal Machine → - full annotated walkthrough