Cardano CLI Doctor

cardano-cli-doctor

When to use

• Before generating CLI workflows to detect correct command style (era-prefixed vs legacy)
• When debugging CLI flag errors or version mismatches
• When setting up a new environment

Operating rules (must follow)

• Never ask for or log secret key contents
• Prefer read-only diagnostics (--help, version, query tip)
• If air-gapped machine, avoid network commands unless explicitly requested
• Output a Compat Report with recommended command style

Workflow

1. Collect environment facts (auto-injected via context)

   • CLI version
   • Available era-prefixed commands (conway, latest)
   • Legacy flag presence (--babbage-era, etc.)

2. Decide command style

   • cardano-cli conway --help works → era-prefixed supported
   • --babbage-era in help → legacy flags supported
   • Both exist → prefer era-prefixed (newer)

3. Network sanity (optional, if socket available)

   • cardano-cli query tip --mainnet or --testnet-magic <N>
   • Detect: missing socket, wrong magic, sync status

4. Produce Compat Report

   CLI Version: X.Y.Z
   Era-prefixed: ✓ conway, latest
   Legacy flags: ✓ --babbage-era
   Recommended: era-prefixed (cardano-cli conway ...)
   Network: --testnet-magic 1 (preprod)
   

Examples

Example 1: Modern CLI (era-prefixed)

Input: User has cardano-cli 10.1.0

Output:

=== Cardano CLI Compatibility Report ===

CLI Version: 10.1.0.0
Git Rev: abc123

Supported Commands:
  ✓ cardano-cli conway --help (recommended)
  ✓ cardano-cli latest --help
  ✓ cardano-cli babbage --help

Recommended Style: ERA-PREFIXED
  cardano-cli conway transaction build ...
  cardano-cli conway query utxo ...

Network Flags:
  Mainnet: --mainnet
  Preprod: --testnet-magic 1
  Preview: --testnet-magic 2

Example 2: Legacy CLI

Input: User has cardano-cli 8.x

Output:

=== Cardano CLI Compatibility Report ===

CLI Version: 8.24.0.0

Supported Commands:
  ✗ Era-prefixed not available

Legacy Flags Detected:
  ✓ --babbage-era
  ✓ --alonzo-era

Recommended Style: LEGACY FLAGS
  cardano-cli transaction build --babbage-era ...

Safety / key handling

• Avoid commands that print or touch .skey files
• Recommend chmod 600 *.skey for real funds
• Prefer offline keygen for mainnet

References

• shared/PRINCIPLES.md (repo)
• Cardano CLI documentation