Advanced Usage

This guide covers advanced features, automation, scripting, and power-user techniques for the CAI Command Line Interface.

CLI Startup Flags

CAI provides powerful command-line flags for session management and autonomous operation.

Session Resume Flags

Resume previous sessions to continue where you left off:

# Resume the last session
cai --resume

# Resume with interactive session selector
cai --resume list

# Resume a specific session by ID
cai --resume abc12345

# Resume from a specific log file
cai --resume /path/to/session.jsonl

# Resume from custom logs directory
cai --resume list --logpath ~/custom_logs/

Continue Mode Flag

Enable autonomous operation where the agent continues working without waiting for user input:

# Start with continue mode
cai --continue --prompt "perform security audit"

# Short form
cai -c --prompt "analyze vulnerabilities"

Combining Resume and Continue

The most powerful combination - resume a session AND continue autonomously:

# Resume last session and continue working
cai --resume --continue

# Resume specific session and continue
cai --resume abc12345 --continue

# Short form
cai --resume -c

This is ideal for: - Resuming interrupted long-running tasks - Continuing security audits after a break - Picking up penetration tests where you left off

Other Useful Flags

# Start with initial prompt
cai --prompt "your task here"
cai -p "your task here"

# Use specific agent type
cai --agent redteam_agent
cai -a bug_bounter_agent

# Use specific model
cai --model alias1
cai -m gpt-4o

# Load YAML configuration
cai --yaml config.yaml

# Check version
cai --version

# Update CAI
cai --update

For detailed documentation on session resume, see Session Resume. For continue mode details, see Continue Mode.

Parallel Execution

Run multiple agents simultaneously to get different perspectives or distribute workload.

Basic Parallel Setup

Method 1: Using Commands

# Launch CAI
cai

# Add agents to parallel configuration
CAI> /parallel add redteam_agent alias1
CAI> /parallel add blueteam_agent alias1
CAI> /parallel add bug_bounter_agent gpt-4o

# List configured agents
CAI> /parallel list

# Execute on all agents
CAI> /parallel run "analyze the security of target.com"

# Merge results
CAI> /parallel merge

Method 2: Using YAML Configuration

Create agents.yaml:

metadata:
  description: "Multi-perspective security analysis"
  auto_run: true

agents:
  - name: offensive
    agent_type: redteam_agent
    model: alias1

  - name: defensive
    agent_type: blueteam_agent
    model: alias1

  - name: bug_hunter
    agent_type: bug_bounter_agent
    model: gpt-4o

  - name: forensics
    agent_type: dfir_agent
    model: alias1

Launch with YAML:

cai --yaml agents.yaml --prompt "perform comprehensive security assessment of target.com"

Method 3: Using Environment Variable

# Set parallel count
export CAI_PARALLEL=3
export CAI_AGENT_TYPE=redteam_agent
export CAI_MODEL=alias1

cai --prompt "scan network 192.168.1.0/24"

Advanced Parallel Patterns

Pattern 1: Distributed Reconnaissance

Split reconnaissance across multiple agents:

# recon_team.yaml
agents:
  - name: subdomain_enum
    agent_type: redteam_agent
    model: alias1
    initial_prompt: "Enumerate subdomains for A-M range"

  - name: subdomain_enum2
    agent_type: redteam_agent
    model: alias1
    initial_prompt: "Enumerate subdomains for N-Z range"

  - name: port_scanner
    agent_type: network_security_analyzer_agent
    model: alias1
    initial_prompt: "Scan all discovered hosts"

  - name: web_analyzer
    agent_type: bug_bounter_agent
    model: alias1
    initial_prompt: "Analyze all web services found"

cai --yaml recon_team.yaml

Pattern 2: Red vs Blue Analysis

Compare offensive and defensive perspectives:

# Configure teams
CAI> /parallel add redteam_agent alias1
CAI> /parallel add blueteam_agent alias1

# Execute same analysis from different perspectives
CAI> /parallel run "analyze the security posture of this web application"

# Compare results
CAI> /parallel merge

Pattern 3: Multi-Model Comparison

Test different models on the same task:

# model_comparison.yaml
agents:
  - name: alias_test
    agent_type: bug_bounter_agent
    model: alias1

  - name: gpt4o_test
    agent_type: bug_bounter_agent
    model: gpt-4o

  - name: claude_test
    agent_type: bug_bounter_agent
    model: claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022

Managing Parallel Results

# View individual agent outputs
CAI> /history 10 offensive
CAI> /history 10 defensive

# Merge all conversations
CAI> /parallel merge

# Save merged results
CAI> /save parallel_assessment_results.json

# Clear parallel configuration
CAI> /parallel clear

Queue System

Batch process multiple prompts for automated workflows.

Creating Queue Files

Create security_checklist.txt:

# Security Assessment Checklist
# Comments start with # and are ignored

# Phase 1: Reconnaissance
/agent redteam_agent
Perform passive reconnaissance on target.com
Enumerate subdomains and services

# Phase 2: Vulnerability Scanning
/agent bug_bounter_agent
Test for OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
Check for known CVEs in discovered services

# Phase 3: Network Analysis
/agent network_security_analyzer_agent
$ nmap -sV -p- target.com
Analyze the network topology

# Phase 4: Report Generation
/agent reporting_agent
Generate comprehensive security report
/save security_assessment_report.md

# Phase 5: Cleanup
/cost
/history 50

Loading and Executing Queues

Method 1: Auto-load on Startup

# Set environment variable
export CAI_QUEUE_FILE="security_checklist.txt"
cai

# Queue executes automatically

Method 2: Command Line Queue

# Use semicolons to chain commands
cai --prompt "/agent redteam_agent ; scan target.com ; /save results.json"

Advanced Queue Patterns

Pattern 1: CTF Challenge Queue

# ctf_workflow.txt
/config CTF_NAME=hackableii
/config CTF_CHALLENGE=web_app
/agent redteam_agent
Analyze the CTF challenge environment
Find and exploit vulnerabilities
Extract the flag
/save ctf_solution.md

Pattern 2: Bug Bounty Workflow

# bugbounty_recon.txt
/agent bug_bounter_agent
/config CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=20.0

# Reconnaissance
Perform subdomain enumeration on target.com
Identify web technologies and frameworks
Map the attack surface

# Testing
Test authentication mechanisms for bypasses
Check for injection vulnerabilities
Analyze API endpoints for security issues

# Reporting
Compile findings into bug bounty report
/save bugbounty_findings.md
/cost

Pattern 3: Continuous Security Monitoring

# daily_security_check.txt
/agent network_security_analyzer_agent

# Daily checks
$ nmap -sV 192.168.1.0/24
Analyze changes from previous scan
Identify new services or hosts
Report anomalies

/save daily_scan_$(date +%Y%m%d).json

Automation & Scripting

Integrate CAI into scripts and CI/CD pipelines.

Bash Script Integration

Script 1: Automated Security Scan

#!/bin/bash
# security_scan.sh

TARGET="$1"
OUTPUT_DIR="./scan_results"
TIMESTAMP=$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)

# Configuration
export CAI_MODEL=alias1
export CAI_AGENT_TYPE=redteam_agent
export CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=10.0
export CAI_MAX_TURNS=50
export CAI_TRACING=false
export CAI_DEBUG=0

# Create output directory
mkdir -p "$OUTPUT_DIR"

# Run CAI with automated prompt
cai --prompt "
/agent redteam_agent
Perform comprehensive security scan on $TARGET
Test for common vulnerabilities
/save $OUTPUT_DIR/scan_${TIMESTAMP}.json
/cost
/exit
"

echo "Scan completed. Results saved to $OUTPUT_DIR/scan_${TIMESTAMP}.json"

Usage:

chmod +x security_scan.sh
./security_scan.sh target.com

Script 2: Multi-Target Batch Scan

#!/bin/bash
# batch_scan.sh

TARGETS_FILE="$1"
OUTPUT_DIR="./batch_results"

mkdir -p "$OUTPUT_DIR"

while IFS= read -r target; do
    echo "Scanning $target..."

    CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=5.0 cai --prompt "
    /agent bug_bounter_agent
    Scan $target for web vulnerabilities
    /save $OUTPUT_DIR/${target//\//_}_scan.json
    /exit
    "

    echo "Completed: $target"
    sleep 2
done < "$TARGETS_FILE"

echo "All scans completed!"

Usage:

# targets.txt contains one domain per line
./batch_scan.sh targets.txt

Script 3: CTF Automation

#!/bin/bash
# ctf_solver.sh

CTF_NAME="$1"
CHALLENGE="$2"

export CTF_NAME="$CTF_NAME"
export CTF_CHALLENGE="$CHALLENGE"
export CTF_INSIDE=true
export CAI_AGENT_TYPE=redteam_agent
export CAI_MODEL=alias1
export CAI_MAX_TURNS=100

# Create queue file
cat > /tmp/ctf_queue.txt << 'EOF'
Analyze the CTF challenge
Identify vulnerabilities
Exploit and find the flag
/save ctf_solution.json
/exit
EOF

# Run with queue
CAI_QUEUE_FILE=/tmp/ctf_queue.txt cai

# Cleanup
rm /tmp/ctf_queue.txt

Usage:

./ctf_solver.sh hackableii web_challenge

CI/CD Integration

GitHub Actions Example

# .github/workflows/security-scan.yml
name: Security Scan

on:
  push:
    branches: [ main ]
  schedule:
    - cron: '0 2 * * *'  # Daily at 2 AM

jobs:
  security-scan:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest

    steps:
    - name: Checkout code
      uses: actions/checkout@v3

    - name: Setup Python
      uses: actions/setup-python@v4
      with:
        python-version: '3.11'

    - name: Install CAI
      run: |
        pip install cai

    - name: Run Security Scan
      env:
        ALIAS_API_KEY: ${{ secrets.ALIAS_API_KEY }}
        CAI_MODEL: alias1
        CAI_PRICE_LIMIT: 10.0
        CAI_TRACING: false
      run: |
        cai --prompt "
        /agent bug_bounter_agent
        Analyze this repository for security issues
        Focus on OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
        /save security_report.json
        /exit
        "

    - name: Upload Results
      uses: actions/upload-artifact@v3
      with:
        name: security-report
        path: security_report.json

GitLab CI Example

# .gitlab-ci.yml
security_scan:
  stage: test
  image: python:3.11

  before_script:
    - pip install cai

  script:
    - |
      cai --prompt "
      /agent redteam_agent
      Scan $CI_PROJECT_URL for vulnerabilities
      /save scan_results.json
      /exit
      "

  artifacts:
    paths:
      - scan_results.json
    expire_in: 1 week

  only:
    - main
    - merge_requests

Non-Interactive Mode

# Single command execution
cai --prompt "scan 192.168.1.1" > output.txt

# Suppress interactive elements
CAI_DEBUG=0 CAI_BRIEF=true cai --prompt "quick scan"

# Pipe output
cai --prompt "analyze" | grep -i "vulnerability"

# JSON output for parsing
cai --prompt "scan target ; /save results.json ; /exit"

Memory Management

Advanced persistent memory for long-term context.

Episodic Memory

Store and recall specific episodes or sessions.

# Enable episodic memory
export CAI_MEMORY=episodic
cai

# During session
CAI> /memory save "SQLi vulnerability found in login"
CAI> /memory save "XSS in comment section"

# List memories
CAI> /memory list

# Apply memory to new session
CAI> /memory apply mem_12345

Semantic Memory

Store knowledge and facts.

# Enable semantic memory
export CAI_MEMORY=semantic
cai

# Save semantic knowledge
CAI> /memory save "Target uses Apache 2.4.41 with ModSecurity"

Combined Memory

Use both episodic and semantic memory:

# Enable all memory types
export CAI_MEMORY=all
export CAI_MEMORY_ONLINE=true
export CAI_MEMORY_ONLINE_INTERVAL=5

cai

Online Memory Mode

Automatically save memory at intervals:

# Configure online memory
export CAI_MEMORY=episodic
export CAI_MEMORY_ONLINE=true
export CAI_MEMORY_ONLINE_INTERVAL=3  # Save every 3 turns

cai --prompt "long reconnaissance session"

Memory Workflows

Workflow 1: Multi-Day Assessment

Day 1:

CAI> /agent bug_bounter_agent
CAI> Perform reconnaissance on target.com
CAI> /memory save "day1_reconnaissance"
CAI> /save day1_session.json

Day 2:

CAI> /agent bug_bounter_agent
CAI> /memory apply day1_reconnaissance
CAI> Continue testing based on yesterday's findings
CAI> /memory save "day2_exploitation"

Workflow 2: Knowledge Base

# Build security knowledge base
CAI> /memory save "CVE-2024-1234 affects Apache < 2.4.59"
CAI> /memory save "SQL injection bypasses for ModSecurity"
CAI> /memory save "XSS payload variants for WAF bypass"

# Later, in new session
CAI> /memory list
CAI> /memory apply mem_useful_techniques

Memory Compaction

Reduce memory size while preserving important information:

# Compact current conversation
CAI> /memory compact

# Status and statistics
CAI> /memory status

Memory Management

# Show specific memory
CAI> /memory show mem_12345

# Merge memories
CAI> /memory merge mem_12345 mem_67890 "combined_findings"

# Delete memory
CAI> /memory delete mem_12345

Workspace & Virtualization

Manage execution environments and Docker containers.

Workspace Management

# Show current workspace
CAI> /workspace show

# Change workspace
CAI> /workspace set /home/user/pentests/target_corp

# List workspace contents
CAI> /workspace list

# Execute commands in workspace
CAI> $ ls -la
CAI> $ cat target_info.txt

Docker Container Execution

Automatic Container Setup (CTF)

# CTF automatically sets up container
export CTF_NAME=hackableii
export CTF_INSIDE=true
cai

# Commands execute inside container automatically
CAI> $ whoami
CAI> $ ip addr

Manual Container Management

# List available containers
CAI> /virtualization list

# Set active container
CAI> /virtualization set ubuntu_pentest

# All commands now execute in container
CAI> $ nmap -sV localhost

# Return to host
CAI> /virtualization clear

Environment Variables for Virtualization

# CTF Configuration
export CTF_NAME=hackableii
export CTF_CHALLENGE=web_app
export CTF_SUBNET=192.168.3.0/24
export CTF_IP=192.168.3.100
export CTF_INSIDE=true  # Execute inside container

# Active Container
export CAI_ACTIVE_CONTAINER=abc123def456

cai

Advanced Virtualization Patterns

Pattern 1: Isolated Testing

#!/bin/bash
# isolated_test.sh

# Create isolated container
CONTAINER_ID=$(docker run -d ubuntu:latest sleep infinity)

# Set container for CAI
export CAI_ACTIVE_CONTAINER=$CONTAINER_ID

# Run tests
cai --prompt "
/virtualization set $CONTAINER_ID
Install and test malware sample
Analyze behavior
/save malware_analysis.json
/exit
"

# Cleanup
docker stop $CONTAINER_ID
docker rm $CONTAINER_ID

Pattern 2: Multi-Container Testing

# Test across multiple containers
CAI> /virtualization set web_server_container
CAI> $ curl http://localhost

CAI> /virtualization set db_container
CAI> $ psql -l

CAI> /virtualization set app_container
CAI> $ python test_exploit.py

CTF Workflows

Specialized workflows for Capture The Flag challenges.

Basic CTF Setup

# Configure CTF environment
export CTF_NAME=hackableii
export CTF_CHALLENGE=binary_exploit
export CAI_AGENT_TYPE=redteam_agent
export CAI_MODEL=alias1
export CAI_MAX_TURNS=inf

cai

CTF Challenge Types

Type 1: Web Challenges

export CTF_NAME=webchallenge
export CTF_INSIDE=true

cai --prompt "
/agent bug_bounter_agent
Analyze this web application
Find and exploit vulnerabilities
Extract the flag
/save web_ctf_solution.md
"

Type 2: Binary Exploitation

export CTF_NAME=pwn_challenge

cai --prompt "
/agent reverse_engineering_agent
Analyze the binary
Find buffer overflow vulnerability
Develop exploit
/save exploit.py
"

Type 3: Forensics

export CTF_NAME=forensics_challenge

cai --prompt "
/agent dfir_agent
Analyze the memory dump
Extract hidden data
Find the flag
/save forensics_analysis.md
"

Automated CTF Solver

#!/bin/bash
# auto_ctf.sh

CHALLENGES=(
    "web_app:bug_bounter_agent"
    "binary_exploit:reverse_engineering_agent"
    "network_forensics:dfir_agent"
    "crypto:redteam_agent"
)

for challenge in "${CHALLENGES[@]}"; do
    IFS=':' read -r name agent <<< "$challenge"

    echo "Solving $name..."

    CTF_NAME="ctf_event" \
    CTF_CHALLENGE="$name" \
    CAI_AGENT_TYPE="$agent" \
    cai --prompt "
    Analyze and solve the challenge
    Find the flag
    /save ${name}_solution.json
    /exit
    "
done

CTF with Time Limits

# Set strict limits for CTF
export CAI_MAX_TURNS=50
export CAI_MAX_INTERACTIONS=200
export CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=5.0

# Force exit if flag not found
# (requires force_until_flag mode)
cai --prompt "solve the CTF challenge"

Cost Management

Control and optimize API usage costs.

Setting Cost Limits

# Set price limit
export CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=10.0

# Set interaction limit
export CAI_MAX_INTERACTIONS=100

# Set turn limit
export CAI_MAX_TURNS=50

cai

Runtime Cost Adjustment

# Check current costs
CAI> /cost

# Increase limit if needed
CAI> /config CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=20.0

# Check updated limit
CAI> /config | grep PRICE_LIMIT

Cost Optimization Strategies

Strategy 1: Model Selection

# Use cheaper models for reconnaissance
CAI> /agent redteam_agent
CAI> /model alias1  # Balanced cost/performance

# Use powerful models for complex analysis
CAI> /model gpt-4o
CAI> Analyze complex vulnerability chain

Strategy 2: Conversation Compaction

# When approaching token limits
CAI> /compact

# Or set automatic compaction
export CAI_AUTO_COMPACT=true

Strategy 3: Targeted Prompts

# Be specific to reduce back-and-forth
CAI> Scan 192.168.1.1 ports 80,443,8080 with nmap -sV

# Instead of:
CAI> Scan 192.168.1.1
# (agent asks which ports)
# (multiple turns = higher cost)

Cost Monitoring

# View detailed cost breakdown
CAI> /cost

# Per-agent costs
CAI> /cost redteam_agent
CAI> /cost bug_bounter_agent

# Session statistics
CAI> /history
CAI> /cost all

Budget-Constrained Workflows

#!/bin/bash
# budget_scan.sh

# Set strict budget
export CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=2.0
export CAI_MODEL=alias1  # Cost-effective model

cai --prompt "
/agent redteam_agent
Quick vulnerability scan on $TARGET
Focus on critical issues only
/cost
/save budget_scan.json
/exit
"

# Check if limit was hit
if grep -q "price limit" budget_scan.json; then
    echo "Warning: Price limit reached"
fi

Configuration Management

Advanced configuration patterns.

Configuration Profiles

Profile 1: Development

# dev_profile.env
export CAI_MODEL=alias1
export CAI_DEBUG=2
export CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=5.0
export CAI_TRACING=true
export CAI_MAX_TURNS=20

Usage:

source dev_profile.env
cai

Profile 2: Production

# prod_profile.env
export CAI_MODEL=alias1
export CAI_DEBUG=0
export CAI_BRIEF=true
export CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=50.0
export CAI_TRACING=false
export CAI_GUARDRAILS=true

Profile 3: CTF

# ctf_profile.env
export CAI_MODEL=alias1
export CAI_AGENT_TYPE=redteam_agent
export CAI_MAX_TURNS=inf
export CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=20.0
export CAI_DEBUG=1

Per-Agent Model Override

# Set different models for different agents
export CAI_REDTEAM_AGENT_MODEL=gpt-4o
export CAI_BUG_BOUNTER_AGENT_MODEL=alias1
export CAI_DFIR_AGENT_MODEL=claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022

# Default model for others
export CAI_MODEL=alias1

cai

Dynamic Configuration

# Start with base config
CAI> /config

# Adjust during session
CAI> /config CAI_DEBUG=2
CAI> /config CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=15.0

# Verify changes
CAI> /env | grep CAI

Integration Patterns

Integrate CAI with other tools and services.

MCP Integration

Pattern 1: Burp Suite Integration

# Start Burp Suite MCP server
# (in separate terminal)
burp-mcp-server --port 9876

# In CAI
CAI> /mcp load http://localhost:9876/sse burp
CAI> /mcp tools burp
CAI> /mcp add redteam_agent burp

# Use Burp tools
CAI> Use Burp to scan https://target.com

Pattern 2: Custom Tool Integration

# Load custom MCP server
CAI> /mcp load stdio "python my_custom_tools.py" custom

# Add to agent
CAI> /mcp add bug_bounter_agent custom

# Use custom tools
CAI> Use custom scanner on target

API Integration

#!/bin/bash
# api_integration.sh

# Get CAI results
RESULT=$(cai --prompt "scan $TARGET ; /save -" 2>/dev/null)

# Send to external API
curl -X POST https://api.security-platform.com/scans \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d "$RESULT"

Webhook Integration

#!/bin/bash
# webhook_notify.sh

# Run scan
cai --prompt "security scan on $TARGET ; /save results.json"

# Send webhook notification
curl -X POST $WEBHOOK_URL \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "target": "'$TARGET'",
    "status": "complete",
    "results": "'$(cat results.json)'"
  }'

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions.

Issue: Price Limit Reached

# Check current cost
CAI> /cost

# Increase limit
CAI> /config CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=20.0

# Or restart with higher limit
exit
CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=20.0 cai

Issue: Max Interactions Exceeded

# Check current count
CAI> /env | grep MAX_INTERACTIONS

# Increase limit
CAI> /config CAI_MAX_INTERACTIONS=500

# Or use /flush to start fresh
CAI> /flush

Issue: Agent Not Responding

# Interrupt current operation
Ctrl+C

# Check agent status
CAI> /agent

# Switch to different agent
CAI> /agent redteam_agent

# Check configuration
CAI> /config

Issue: Context Window Full

# Check context usage (CAI PRO)
CAI> /context

# Compact conversation
CAI> /compact

# Or flush and start fresh
CAI> /flush

Issue: Container Execution Problems

# Check virtualization status
CAI> /virtualization info

# List containers
CAI> /virtualization list

# Clear container setting
CAI> /virtualization clear

# Verify workspace
CAI> /workspace show

Issue: Memory Loading Fails

# Check memory status
CAI> /memory status

# List available memories
CAI> /memory list

# Clear corrupted memory
CAI> /memory delete mem_problematic

# Check storage directory
$ ls -la ~/.cai/memory/

Debug Mode

# Enable maximum debugging
export CAI_DEBUG=2
cai

# Or enable during session
CAI> /config CAI_DEBUG=2

Best Practices

1. Session Management

# Always save important sessions
CAI> /save project_name_$(date +%Y%m%d).json

# Use descriptive filenames
CAI> /save pentest_target_corp_phase1.json

2. Cost Control

# Set reasonable limits
export CAI_PRICE_LIMIT=10.0
export CAI_MAX_TURNS=50

# Monitor regularly
CAI> /cost

3. Agent Selection

# Use specialized agents
# ✅ Good: /agent bug_bounter_agent for web apps
# ❌ Bad: /agent one_tool_agent for complex tasks

# Let selection_agent help
CAI> /agent selection_agent
CAI> I need to test a mobile application

4. Parallel Execution

# Use YAML for complex setups
# ✅ Good: cai --yaml team_config.yaml
# ❌ Bad: Manual /parallel add for many agents

5. Memory Usage

# Save important findings
CAI> /memory save "critical vulnerability in auth system"

# Use descriptive names
# ✅ Good: "SQLi in admin panel - bypasses WAF"
# ❌ Bad: "bug1"

Quick Reference

Environment Variables

Variable	Purpose	Example
`CAI_MODEL`	Default model	`alias1`
`CAI_AGENT_TYPE`	Default agent	`redteam_agent`
`CAI_PARALLEL`	Parallel count	`3`
`CAI_QUEUE_FILE`	Auto-load queue	`prompts.txt`
`CAI_MEMORY`	Memory mode	`episodic`
`CAI_MEMORY_ONLINE`	Auto-save memory	`true`
`CAI_PRICE_LIMIT`	Cost limit	`10.0`
`CAI_MAX_TURNS`	Turn limit	`50`
`CAI_ACTIVE_CONTAINER`	Docker container	`abc123`

Command Patterns

# Automation
cai --prompt "command ; command ; command"
CAI_QUEUE_FILE=file.txt cai

# Parallel
cai --yaml agents.yaml --prompt "task"
CAI_PARALLEL=3 cai

# CTF
CTF_NAME=challenge cai

Next Steps

📖 Getting Started - Basic usage
📚 Commands Reference - All commands
🏠 CLI Overview - Main documentation

Last updated: November 2025 | CAI CLI v0.6+

Advanced Usage

Table of Contents

CLI Startup Flags

Session Resume Flags

Continue Mode Flag

Combining Resume and Continue

Other Useful Flags

Parallel Execution

Basic Parallel Setup

Method 1: Using Commands

Method 2: Using YAML Configuration

Method 3: Using Environment Variable

Advanced Parallel Patterns

Pattern 1: Distributed Reconnaissance

Pattern 2: Red vs Blue Analysis

Pattern 3: Multi-Model Comparison

Managing Parallel Results

Queue System

Creating Queue Files

Loading and Executing Queues

Method 1: Auto-load on Startup

Method 2: Command Line Queue

Advanced Queue Patterns

Pattern 1: CTF Challenge Queue

Pattern 2: Bug Bounty Workflow

Pattern 3: Continuous Security Monitoring

Automation & Scripting

Bash Script Integration

Script 1: Automated Security Scan

Script 2: Multi-Target Batch Scan

Script 3: CTF Automation

CI/CD Integration

GitHub Actions Example

GitLab CI Example

Non-Interactive Mode

Memory Management

Episodic Memory

Semantic Memory

Combined Memory

Online Memory Mode

Memory Workflows

Workflow 1: Multi-Day Assessment

Workflow 2: Knowledge Base

Memory Compaction

Memory Management

Workspace & Virtualization

Workspace Management

Docker Container Execution

Automatic Container Setup (CTF)

Manual Container Management

Environment Variables for Virtualization

Advanced Virtualization Patterns

Pattern 1: Isolated Testing

Pattern 2: Multi-Container Testing

CTF Workflows

Basic CTF Setup

CTF Challenge Types

Type 1: Web Challenges

Type 2: Binary Exploitation

Type 3: Forensics

Automated CTF Solver

CTF with Time Limits

Cost Management

Setting Cost Limits

Runtime Cost Adjustment

Cost Optimization Strategies

Strategy 1: Model Selection

Strategy 2: Conversation Compaction

Strategy 3: Targeted Prompts

Cost Monitoring

Budget-Constrained Workflows

Configuration Management

Configuration Profiles

Profile 1: Development

Profile 2: Production

Profile 3: CTF

Per-Agent Model Override

Dynamic Configuration

Integration Patterns

MCP Integration