setup

Automate Kamal installation, project configuration, and server bootstrapping for new deployments.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #deployment #docker #setup #infrastructure #kamal

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/donnfelker/kamal-skills --skill setup-donnfelker

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: setup
Source: https://github.com/donnfelker/kamal-skills/tree/main/skills/setup
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/donnfelker/kamal-skills --skill setup-donnfelker

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill removes the complexity of setting up a new Kamal deployment by automating the installation of dependencies, project initialization, and the initial server configuration.

Core Features & Use Cases

Project Initialization: Automatically generates the required configuration files, secrets stubs, and lifecycle hooks.
Server Bootstrapping: Handles the installation of Docker on fresh servers and ensures the environment is ready for traffic.
Use Case: When starting a new project, use this skill to go from an empty server to a fully deployed application by following the guided setup for configuration, secrets management, and the first deployment command.

Quick Start

Use the setup skill to initialize Kamal in this directory and perform the first deployment to my servers.

Frequently Asked Questions about setup

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I set up Kamal and deploy my first app to a new server?▼

To set up Kamal, you need to initialize the project configuration, generate secrets stubs, bootstrap Docker on the target server, and execute the initial deployment command via SSH.

Do I need SSH access and Docker installed before bootstrapping a Kamal deployment?▼

You must have SSH access to the target servers, but Docker does not need to be pre-installed because the Kamal setup process automatically handles the Docker installation and environment configuration.

What configuration files are generated during Kamal project initialization?▼

Kamal project initialization automatically generates the required deployment configuration files, secrets stubs for environment variables, and lifecycle hooks to manage application startup and shutdown.

Can I use Kamal to onboard new servers into an existing deployment environment?▼

Yes, Kamal can be used to onboard new servers by bootstrapping the fresh server infrastructure, ensuring Docker is installed, and preparing the environment to receive application traffic.

What is the best way to automate infrastructure setup for a Kamal deployment?▼

Automating Kamal infrastructure setup involves using a guided deployment skill to install dependencies, configure project files, bootstrap the remote server, and run the first deployment command.

Why does Kamal require a valid Docker environment for the deployment process?▼

Kamal requires a valid Docker environment because it deploys applications inside containers, meaning the target server must have Docker installed and running to receive and execute the deployment.