Volt Framework

0.3.1 · active · verified Wed Apr 22

Volt Framework is a lean agent framework designed specifically for orchestrating AI agents within Claude Code. Currently at version 0.3.1, it focuses on a 'brownfield-first' approach, aiming to integrate AI agents into existing codebases, though it also supports greenfield projects. Inspired by the BMAD Method, Volt installs a team of seven distinct AI personas (Stark, Morpheus, Ripley, Wick, Dredd, Max, Jarvis) into a project. These personas collaborate in 'Party Mode' to plan features, implement with discipline, perform adversarial reviews, and generate comprehensive documentation. The framework streamlines the development workflow by managing context and handoffs between AI-driven steps, allowing developers to focus on high-level decisions rather than process. Its release cadence is agile given its early stage, with frequent updates expected as it approaches a stable 1.0 release.

Common errors

```
Your current Node.js version is X. Volt Framework requires Node.js >=20.
```
cause The installed Node.js version on your system is older than the minimum requirement.

fix Upgrade your Node.js installation to version 20 or newer. Tools like `nvm` (Node Version Manager) can simplify this: `nvm install 20 && nvm use 20`.
```
npx: command not found
```
cause Node.js and npm (which includes npx) are either not installed or not correctly configured in your system's PATH.

fix Install Node.js (which bundles npm and npx) from the official Node.js website or via a package manager. Verify installation by running `node -v` and `npx -v`.
```
Error: EACCES: permission denied, open 'your-project/.volt/config.yaml'
```
cause The `npx` command attempting to install Volt Framework lacks the necessary write permissions for the target directory.

fix Ensure you have write permissions for the directory where you are running the `npx volt-framework install` command. Avoid running `npx` with `sudo` unless absolutely necessary and you understand the security implications.
```
/volt:help command not recognized in Claude Code
```
cause The Volt Framework installation into Claude Code's command directory (`.claude/commands/volt/`) was not successful, or Claude Code has not refreshed its command index.

fix Verify that the `.claude/commands/volt/` directory exists and contains the necessary command files in your project. If files are present, try restarting or refreshing your Claude Code session, or rerun `npx volt-framework install` to ensure all files are correctly placed.

Warnings

breaking Node.js version 20 or newer is a strict requirement for Volt Framework. Running `npx volt-framework install` or other commands with older Node.js versions will result in installation failures or runtime errors.
Fix: Upgrade Node.js to version 20 or newer using a version manager like `nvm` (`nvm install 20 && nvm use 20`) or through your system's package manager.
gotcha Volt Framework is designed exclusively for use within Claude Code. It does not provide a standalone API for direct integration into JavaScript/TypeScript applications, nor is it compatible with other LLMs or AI platforms.
Fix: Ensure you are using Claude Code as your AI development environment for interacting with Volt Framework agents and commands.
breaking As a pre-1.0 project (version 0.3.1), Volt Framework is under active and rapid development. Expect frequent breaking changes, API modifications, and behavioral shifts across minor and patch releases.
Fix: Regularly consult the official GitHub repository's release notes and migration guides before upgrading to newer versions to understand any necessary changes.
gotcha The `npx volt-framework install` command creates and modifies several directories and files (`.volt/`, `.claude/commands/volt/`, `CLAUDE.md`) directly within your project's root. These changes might be unexpected if not managed with version control.
Fix: Review the installed files and ensure they are added to your version control system. Use the `--dir` option during installation (`npx volt-framework install --dir ./my-agent-project`) if you prefer to encapsulate the framework files within a subdirectory.

Install

npm install volt-framework npm
yarn add volt-framework yarn
pnpm add volt-framework pnpm

Quickstart

This quickstart demonstrates how to install Volt Framework into a project and initiate common AI agent workflows within Claude Code, covering both new and existing codebases.

// First, ensure Node.js >=20 is installed.
// Then, open your terminal in the desired project directory (new or existing).

// Install the Volt Framework agents and configuration into your project
npx volt-framework install

// Or install into a specific subdirectory
// npx volt-framework install --dir ./my-ai-project

// After successful installation, open Claude Code within your project.
// Access the Volt commands by typing '/volt:' in your Claude Code chat.

// To get started, run the help command:
// /volt:help

// For a new project, initialize context:
// /volt:init-context

// For an existing project, map brownfield code:
// /volt:map-brownfield

// Then, create a new task using Party Mode:
// /volt:new-task "Implement user authentication with Google OAuth"

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