# Buildkite CLI

> This skill should be used when the user asks to "trigger a build", "check build status", "watch a build", "view build logs", "rebuild a build", "cancel a build", "list builds", "list jobs", "unblock a job", "download artifacts", "manage secrets", "create a pipeline", "list pipelines", "validate a pipeline", "copy a pipeline", "run a local agent", or "interact with Buildkite from the command line". Also use when the user mentions bk commands, bk build, bk job, bk pipeline, bk secret, bk artifacts, bk cluster, bk queue, bk package, bk agent, bk auth, bk config, bk use, bk browse, bk api, bk skill, or asks about Buildkite CLI installation, authentication, terminal-based Buildkite workflows, or command-line CI/CD operations.

- Skill: `buildkite/buildkite-cli` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 5 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add buildkite/buildkite-cli`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/buildkite/buildkite-cli/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: buildkite (https://skillmd.com/u/buildkite)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/buildkite/buildkite-cli

---


# Buildkite CLI

The Buildkite CLI (`bk`) provides terminal access to builds, jobs, pipelines, secrets, artifacts, clusters, queues, and packages. Use it to trigger builds, tail logs, manage secrets, run a local agent, and automate CI/CD workflows without leaving the command line.

> **Tip:** This skill covers common commands and patterns. For complete flag details on any command, run `bk <command> --help`. The CLI ships exhaustive examples in its own help output — prefer it as the source of truth for a specific flag.

## Quick Start

`bk job list --build` requires Buildkite CLI v3.53.0 or later. Run `bk update` if the flag is unavailable.

```bash
# Install
brew install buildkite/buildkite/bk

# Authenticate (OAuth — opens a browser)
bk auth login

# Trigger a build on the current branch (pipeline auto-detected from the repo)
bk build create

# Watch the most recent build run
bk build watch

# Inspect build state, find failed jobs, and read a failed job's log
bk build view 429 --summary
bk job list --pipeline my-app --build 429 --state failed
bk job log <job-uuid>
```

Most build, job, artifact, and pipeline commands resolve the pipeline, branch, and most-recent build from the current git repository. Pass `-p/--pipeline` explicitly only when outside a repo or when targeting a different pipeline.

## Installation

```bash
# Homebrew (macOS and Linux)
brew install buildkite/buildkite/bk

# Update an existing install (prints the right command for brew/mise installs)
bk update
```

For binary downloads and verification, see `references/command-reference.md`.

## Authentication

`bk auth login` is the recommended method. It uses OAuth and stores the resulting token in the system keychain — no manual token creation required.

```bash
# OAuth login (opens a browser; grants all scopes your account allows)
bk auth login

# Login to a specific organization
bk auth login --org my-org

# Login with read-only access (scope group), plus write access to builds
bk auth login --scopes "read_only write_builds"

# Headless / remote machine (no browser)
bk auth login --device

# Non-interactive with an existing API token (CI/Docker)
bk auth login --org my-org --token "$BUILDKITE_API_TOKEN"
```

| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `bk auth login` | OAuth or token login; stores credentials in the keychain |
| `bk auth status` | Show the current session (supports `-o json`) |
| `bk auth token` | Print the stored token to stdout (e.g. for `curl`) |
| `bk auth switch [org]` (alias `bk auth use`) | Switch the active organization |
| `bk auth logout` | Remove stored credentials (`--all` for every org) |

On headless Linux hosts where no keychain is available, pin token storage to an in-memory store: `bk config set credential_store shm`, then `bk auth login --device`.

### Token-based config (alternative)

`bk configure` stores a manually-created API token instead of using OAuth. Use it only when OAuth is unavailable.

```bash
bk configure --org my-org --token "$BUILDKITE_API_TOKEN"
bk configure add --org second-org --token "$OTHER_TOKEN"   # add another org
```

Create the token at Buildkite > avatar > **Personal Settings** > **API Access Tokens** with at least `read_builds`, `write_builds`, `read_pipelines`, and `read_artifacts` scopes.

### Switching organizations

```bash
bk use my-other-org      # top-level alias for bk auth switch
bk auth switch           # interactive selection
bk organization list     # list configured orgs
```

### CLI configuration

`bk config` manages persistent settings (default output format, pager, credential store). User config applies globally; `--local` writes a `.bk.yaml` in the current directory.

```bash
bk config list                          # show effective config
bk config set output_format json        # default all output to JSON
bk config set selected_org my-org --local
```

## Builds

Create, view, list, cancel, retry, rebuild, watch, and download builds.

### Create a build

```bash
# Build the current branch and commit (pipeline auto-detected from the repo)
bk build create

# Explicit pipeline, branch, and message
bk build create -p my-app -b feature/auth -m "Test auth changes"

# With environment variables and metadata
bk build create -e "DEPLOY_ENV=staging" -M "release=true"

# Open the new build in the browser
bk build create -w
```

| Flag | Short | Default | Description |
|------|-------|---------|-------------|
| `--pipeline` | `-p` | auto-detected | Pipeline slug, or `{org}/{slug}` |
| `--branch` | `-b` | pipeline default branch | Git branch to build |
| `--commit` | `-c` | `HEAD` | Git commit SHA |
| `--message` | `-m` | commit message | Build message |
| `--author` | `-a` | — | Build author (`"Name <email>"`, email, name, or username) |
| `--env` | `-e` | — | Environment variable `KEY=VALUE` (repeatable) |
| `--env-file` | `-f` | — | Load environment variables from a file |
| `--metadata` | `-M` | — | Build metadata `KEY=VALUE` (repeatable) |
| `--ignore-branch-filters` | `-i` | `false` | Build even when branch filters would skip it |
| `--web` | `-w` | `false` | Open the build in a browser after creating it |

### View a build

`bk build view` (and most build commands) default to the most recent build on the current branch.

Use `--summary` for status checks, polling, scripts, and agent workflows. It excludes jobs and expanded pipeline information, and skips artifact and annotation requests.

```bash
bk build view --summary             # latest build metadata and state
bk build view 429 --summary         # a specific build number
bk build view 429 --summary -o json # compact structured output
bk build view --mine --summary      # latest build by the current user
```

### List builds

```bash
bk build list --summary                              # 50 most recent build summaries
bk build list --summary --state failed --branch main # filter by state and branch
bk build list --summary --since 24h --duration ">20m" # slow builds from the last 24 hours
bk build list --summary --meta-data env=production -o json
```

Use `--summary` for metadata-only output; the API requests exclude jobs and expanded pipeline information. Server-side filters (fast): `--pipeline`, `--since`, `--until`, `--state`, `--branch`, `--creator`, `--commit`, `--meta-data`. Client-side filters: `--duration`, `--message`. Valid states: `running`, `scheduled`, `passed`, `failed`, `blocked`, `canceled`, `canceling`, `skipped`, `not_run`. Pass `--state` and `--branch` as comma-separated lists. Use `--limit N` (default 50) or `--no-limit` to control paging. See `references/command-reference.md` for the full filter table.

### Watch a build

Stream real-time progress. Blocks until the build completes or is canceled.

```bash
bk build watch                       # watch the most recent build
bk build watch 429 -p my-app         # watch a specific build
bk build watch --interval 5          # custom polling interval (seconds)
```

### Cancel, retry, rebuild

```bash
bk build cancel 429 -p my-app   # only scheduled/running/failing builds
bk build rebuild 429            # rebuild a specific build (or most recent)
```

### Download build resources

`bk build download` downloads a build's artifacts to the local filesystem.

```bash
bk build download 429 -p my-app
bk build download --mine          # most recent build by the current user
```

### Trigger and follow

```bash
bk build create -p my-app -b main && bk build watch -p my-app
```

## Jobs

Inspect and act on individual jobs. Jobs are addressed by UUID — `bk job log` no longer needs pipeline or build context (the `-p`/`-b` flags are deprecated and ignored).

### View job logs

```bash
bk job log 0190046e-e199-453b-a302-a21a4d649d31
bk job log <job-uuid> --no-timestamps   # strip timestamp prefixes
```

### List jobs

`--step-key` and `--group-key` require Buildkite CLI v3.54.0 or later. Run `bk update` if either flag is unavailable.

When the build number is known, pass `--build` so `bk job list` uses the dedicated cursor-paginated List Jobs endpoint. The pipeline can be explicit or resolved from the current repository or configuration. `--state`, `--step-key`, and `--group-key` are applied server-side; `--queue` and `--duration` remain client-side. Use `--step-key` for every job in a step, including parallel jobs, and `--group-key` for every job in a group.

```bash
bk job list --pipeline my-app --build 429 --state failed
bk job list --build 429 --state running # pipeline auto-detected
bk job list --build 429 --step-key test
bk job list --build 429 --group-key verification
```

Without `--build`, the command searches across recent builds and extracts their embedded jobs:

```bash
bk job list --queue test-queue --state running
bk job list --duration ">10m" --order-by duration --no-limit
```

`--step-key` and `--group-key` require `--build` and can be combined. `--limit` caps the total jobs emitted, not the API page size. Use `--no-limit` to follow every cursor page; the CLI preserves all server-side filters across cursor pages. `--since` and `--until` cannot be combined with `--build`.

### Retry, cancel, unblock, reprioritize

```bash
bk job retry <job-uuid>           # each job UUID can be retried once
bk job cancel <job-uuid>
bk job unblock <job-uuid>         # unblock a blocked step
bk job unblock <job-uuid> --data '{"release": "true"}'   # with block-step fields
bk job reprioritize <job-uuid> 10 # raise scheduling priority
```

### Debugging workflow

```bash
bk build list --summary --state failed -p my-app
bk job list --pipeline my-app --build 429 --state failed
bk job log <job-uuid>
```

## Pipelines

Create, list, view, copy, validate, and convert pipeline configuration.

### List and view

```bash
bk pipeline list                 # all pipelines (default 100)
bk pipeline list --name deploy   # filter by name (partial, case-insensitive)
bk pipeline view my-app          # pipeline details
bk pipeline view my-app -w       # open in browser
```

### Create a pipeline

```bash
bk pipeline create "My App" -r "git@github.com:org/my-app.git" --cluster-name "Default"
bk pipeline create "My App" -r "git@github.com:org/my-app.git" --dry-run   # synthetic non-mutating preview
```

| Flag | Short | Default | Description |
|------|-------|---------|-------------|
| `<name>` | — | — | Pipeline name (positional, required) |
| `--repository` | `-r` | — | Git repository URL |
| `--description` | `-d` | — | Pipeline description |
| `--cluster-uuid` | — | — | Cluster UUID to assign the pipeline to |
| `--cluster-name` | — | — | Cluster name (resolved to UUID) |
| `--create-webhook` | `-W` | `false` | Create a GitHub or GitHub Enterprise SCM webhook after pipeline creation |
| `--dry-run` | — | `false` | Print a synthetic preview without creating the pipeline; may make read-only API calls |

Treat pipeline creation and `--create-webhook` as non-atomic operations: pipeline creation can succeed while SCM webhook creation fails. An SCM webhook delivers repository events and is distinct from an outbound organization notification-service webhook.

> For pipeline YAML configuration, step types, and plugins, see the **buildkite-pipelines** skill.

### Copy a pipeline

```bash
bk pipeline copy my-app --target "my-app-v2"             # within the org
bk pipeline copy my-app --target "other-org/my-app"      # across orgs (cluster reset)
```

### Validate a pipeline

`bk pipeline validate` checks YAML against the pipeline schema locally (no API token needed). It does not check repository access, source-control provider setup, permissions, or server-side pipeline creation constraints. Defaults to `.buildkite/pipeline.yaml` or `.yml`.

```bash
bk pipeline validate
bk pipeline validate --file .buildkite/deploy.yml
```

### Convert from another CI system

Convert GitHub Actions, Bitbucket, CircleCI, Jenkins, GitLab (beta), Harness (beta), or Bitrise (beta) config to Buildkite YAML. No login required.

```bash
bk pipeline convert -F .github/workflows/ci.yml          # vendor auto-detected
bk pipeline convert -F .gitlab-ci.yml --vendor gitlab    # specify when ambiguous
cat .circleci/config.yml | bk pipeline convert --vendor circleci
```

Output defaults to `.buildkite/pipeline.<vendor>.yml` (stdout when reading from stdin). Use `-o/--output` for a custom path.

> For converting pipelines from other CI systems in depth, see the **buildkite-migration** skill.

## Secrets

Manage cluster-scoped secrets. All secret commands require `--cluster-uuid`.

```bash
# Create (omit --value to enter it via a masked prompt)
bk secret create --cluster-uuid <uuid> --key MY_SECRET --value "$TOKEN"

# List, view, update, delete
bk secret list --cluster-uuid <uuid>
bk secret get --cluster-uuid <uuid> --secret-id <secret-uuid>
bk secret update --cluster-uuid <uuid> --secret-id <secret-uuid> --update-value
bk secret delete --cluster-uuid <uuid> --secret-id <secret-uuid>
```

**Naming rules:** keys may contain only letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot begin with `buildkite` or `bk` (case-insensitive). Exception: `BUILDKITE_API_TOKEN`. Pass `--description` and an access `--policy` (YAML) on create or update.

> For using secrets inside pipeline YAML (`secrets:`) and job steps (`buildkite-agent secret get`), see the **buildkite-pipelines** and **buildkite-agent-runtime** skills.

## Artifacts

List and download build artifacts. The command is `bk artifacts` (plural). Build number defaults to the most recent build on the current branch.

```bash
bk artifacts list                              # most recent build
bk artifacts list 429 -j <job-uuid>            # a specific job in a build
bk artifacts download --build 429              # all artifacts for a build
bk artifacts download <artifact-id> --build 429
```

> There is no `bk artifacts upload`. Upload artifacts from within a job step with `buildkite-agent artifact upload` (see the **buildkite-agent-runtime** skill). For `artifact_paths:` in pipeline YAML, see the **buildkite-pipelines** skill.

## Clusters and Queues

The CLI manages clusters, queues, and cluster maintainers directly:

```bash
bk cluster list
bk cluster create --name "Production"
bk queue list <cluster-uuid>
bk queue create <cluster-uuid> --key deploy
bk queue pause <cluster-uuid> <queue-uuid>     # stop dispatching to a queue
```

Full CRUD exists for `bk cluster`, `bk queue`, and `bk maintainer`. See `references/command-reference.md` for the command list.

## Local Agent

`bk agent run` downloads the agent, creates a temporary cluster token, and runs an ephemeral `buildkite-agent` locally — useful for testing pipeline changes against your own machine. Everything is cleaned up on Ctrl+C.

```bash
bk agent run                      # latest agent on the Default cluster
bk agent run --queue deploy       # listen on a specific queue
bk agent install                  # install the binary + a starter config
```

`bk agent list/view/pause/resume/stop` manage registered agents in the org.

## Preflight, Browse, and Other Commands

```bash
bk browse                 # open the current pipeline (filtered to the branch)
bk browse 429 -n          # print the build URL instead of opening it
bk init                   # scaffold a starter pipeline.yaml
bk package push <registry-slug> --file-path pkg.tar.gz
bk user invite alice@example.com bob@example.com
bk skill add buildkite-api   # install a Buildkite skill into the current agent
```

> For running a build against local uncommitted changes with `bk preflight run`, see the **buildkite-preflight** skill.

## Raw API Access

Make direct REST or GraphQL calls with `bk api`:

```bash
bk api '/pipelines/my-app/builds/429?exclude_jobs=true&exclude_pipeline=true'
bk api -X POST /pipelines --data '{"name":"New","repository":"git@..."}'
bk api --file query.graphql # GraphQL file with a named operation
```

> For comprehensive REST and GraphQL documentation (endpoints, mutations, pagination, webhooks), see the **buildkite-api** skill.

## MCP Server Alternatives

When the Buildkite MCP server is available, prefer MCP tools for read operations — they handle auth, pagination, and parsing. Fall back to the CLI for actions MCP does not cover.

| CLI Command | MCP Tool | Notes |
|-------------|----------|-------|
| `bk build create` | `create_build` | MCP handles auth automatically |
| `bk build view --summary` / `list --summary` | `get_build` / `list_builds` | Metadata only; jobs and expanded pipeline information are excluded |
| `bk job list --build` | `list_jobs` | List jobs without expanding the build response |
| — | `get_job` | MCP-only single-job metadata lookup |
| `bk job log` | `read_logs`, `tail_logs` | MCP supports streaming |
| `bk pipeline list` / `view` / `create` | `list_pipelines`, `get_pipeline`, `create_pipeline` | |
| `bk artifacts list` / `download` | `list_artifacts_for_build`, `get_artifact` | |
| `bk cluster list` | `list_clusters` | |
| `bk auth status` | `current_user`, `access_token` | |
| `bk build watch` / `download` | — | CLI only |
| `bk job retry` / `cancel` / `unblock` | — | CLI only |
| `bk secret *`, `bk package push`, `bk agent run` | — | CLI only |
| `bk api` | — | Use MCP tools for reads; CLI for custom calls |

## Common Mistakes

| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---------|-------------|-----|
| Using full build responses for status polling | Downloads jobs, pipeline details, artifacts, and annotations repeatedly | Use `bk build view --summary` or `bk build list --summary` |
| Omitting `--build` when the build number is known | Scans recent build responses and extracts their embedded jobs | Use `bk job list --pipeline my-app --build 429`, or MCP `list_jobs` |
| Running `bk` commands before authenticating | Commands fail with authentication errors | Run `bk auth login` (or `bk configure` with a token) first |
| Running `bk auth login` in Docker/CI expecting a browser | Hangs — no browser or keychain available | Use `bk auth login --org my-org --token "$TOKEN"`, or `--device` for headless |
| Passing `-p`/`-b` to `bk job log` | Flags are deprecated and ignored — job UUIDs are self-contained | Pass only the job UUID |
| Retrying a job UUID that was already retried | API returns 422 — each UUID retries once | Use the new job UUID returned by the first retry |
| Creating secrets with keys starting with `buildkite`/`bk` | Creation fails — reserved prefix | Choose another name (exception: `BUILDKITE_API_TOKEN`) |
| Passing secret values literally in `--value` | Values persist in shell history and process list | Use env var references (`--value "$TOKEN"`) or the masked prompt |
| Running `bk build cancel` on a finished build | API errors — only scheduled/running/failing builds cancel | Check state with `bk build view --summary` first |
| Assuming `bk artifacts upload` exists | No such command | Upload from a job with `buildkite-agent artifact upload` |
| Confusing `bk` with `buildkite-agent` | `bk` runs locally against the API; `buildkite-agent` runs inside job steps | Use `bk` from a terminal, `buildkite-agent` inside pipeline commands |

## Additional Resources

### Reference Files
- **`references/command-reference.md`** — Installation methods, full `bk build list`/`bk job list` filter tables, cluster/queue/maintainer commands, `bk agent`, `bk api`, package push, and config details

## Further Reading

- [Buildkite Docs for LLMs](https://buildkite.com/docs/llms.txt)
- [Buildkite CLI overview](https://buildkite.com/docs/platform/cli.md)
- [CLI command reference](https://buildkite.com/docs/platform/cli/reference.md)
- [CLI configuration and authentication](https://buildkite.com/docs/platform/cli/configuration.md)
- [Managing secrets](https://buildkite.com/docs/pipelines/security/secrets/buildkite-secrets.md)