Getting started

NovelGraph requires Node.js 22.13 or newer. This is the first Node 22 release where the built-in SQLite module is enabled without an experimental flag. Manuscripts, credentials, revisions, and story state remain in the project directory on your machine.

Launch the public alpha

The 0.5.0 npm records have not been published. Run the verified source build until the release gate clears:

git clone https://github.com/CSandbatch/novelgraph.git
cd novelgraph
corepack pnpm install --frozen-lockfile
corepack pnpm -r build
node packages/cli/dist/index.js studio

Studio binds to 127.0.0.1, creates .novelgraph/studio.sqlite, and opens the local workbench. Use --no-open when running without a desktop browser. Binding to another host is an explicit, security-sensitive choice.

Once npm canary verification and promotion are complete, npx @actalk/novelgraph studio will replace the source-build sequence. The documentation will not mark that command available before the registry does.

Complete the first loop

1. Create a series and book in New project.
2. Select the Mystery pack and seed its fairness ledger.
3. Draft the opening in Manuscript; each save creates a revision.
4. Inspect characters, clues, and obligations in Story graph.
5. Start a budgeted run in DAG control.
6. Resolve findings in Review center.
7. Export only after Publication gate reports ready.

Alpha software

Studio is an active vertical slice. Keep normal backups and inspect generated work before admitting it to canon.

Provider configuration

Set provider credentials in a project .env or the existing NovelGraph global configuration. Never commit .env files. The public demo makes no provider calls and accepts no credentials.

NOVELGRAPH_LLM_PROVIDER=openai
NOVELGRAPH_LLM_BASE_URL=https://api.openai.com/v1
NOVELGRAPH_LLM_API_KEY=replace-locally
NOVELGRAPH_LLM_MODEL=your-model

Run novelgraph doctor when provider setup fails. It reports connectivity and configuration errors without printing secrets.