setting-up-hetzner

Configure Hetzner hcloud context with direnv token loading and SSH-key verification.

4|Updated Jan 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/johnnymo87/workstation --skill setting-up-hetzner
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: setting-up-hetzner
Source: https://github.com/johnnymo87/workstation/tree/main/.claude/skills/setting-up-hetzner
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/johnnymo87/workstation --skill setting-up-hetzner

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a guided, repeatable process to configure Hetzner cloud access for a new development workstation, eliminating manual setup and token misconfigurations.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Guided onboarding for setting up the Hetzner hcloud CLI context.
  • Seamless direnv integration to load HCLOUD_TOKEN and keep environments isolated.
  • Verified setup workflow including token retrieval prompts and SSH-key readiness.
  • Use Case: A new developer can bootstrap their workstation in minutes, enabling immediate cloud operations and server management.

Quick Start

Step 1: Install prerequisites (hcloud, direnv, nix) if not already installed. Step 2: Create hcloud context

  • Run: hcloud context create workstation
  • Enter your API token when prompted
  • Get token from: https://console.hetzner.cloud → Project → Access → API Tokens → Generate (Read & Write) Step 3: Allow direnv
  • Navigate to your project directory
  • Run: direnv allow This loads HCLOUD_TOKEN from your hcloud CLI context. Step 4: Verify setup
  • Run: echo $HCLOUD_TOKEN | head -c 10
  • Run: hcloud server list Step 5: SSH Key Setup
  • Run: hcloud ssh-key list
  • If 'devbox' key is missing: hcloud ssh-key create --name devbox --public-key-from-file ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

Frequently Asked Questions about setting-up-hetzner

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I set up Hetzner cloud access on my development workstation?

Set up Hetzner cloud access by installing hcloud CLI and direnv, creating an hcloud context with your API token, then running direnv allow to load HCLOUD_TOKEN automatically. Verify with hcloud server list and configure SSH keys for server management.

What's the fastest way to configure hcloud CLI with token management?

Create an hcloud context using hcloud context create workstation, provide your Read & Write API token from the Hetzner console, then use direnv to automatically load HCLOUD_TOKEN in your project directory—eliminating manual token configuration.

Do I need direnv to use Hetzner hcloud CLI?

While hcloud CLI works without direnv, direnv integration isolates HCLOUD_TOKEN in your project environment and automates token loading, reducing manual setup and token misconfigurations during onboarding.

How do I verify my Hetzner setup is working before deploying servers?

Verify your setup by echoing the HCLOUD_TOKEN variable, running hcloud server list to confirm API access, and checking hcloud ssh-key list to ensure your SSH key is configured for server provisioning.

What if my Hetzner SSH key isn't ready for server management?

If your SSH key is missing, generate one with hcloud ssh-key create --name devbox --public-key-from-file ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub to register your public key and enable passwordless server access.

Can I automate Hetzner workstation setup for new developers?

Yes—this skill provides a repeatable onboarding process combining hcloud context creation, direnv token loading, and SSH-key setup verification, enabling new developers to bootstrap cloud access in minutes.