Installation

PyWacli has two dependency layers: Python (the CLI, dashboard, database, AI engine) and Node.js (the Baileys WhatsApp client). You need both.

Prerequisites

Requirement	Version	Notes
Python	3.10+	Runs the CLI, dashboard, DB, and AI engine
Node.js	18+	Runs the Baileys WhatsApp bridge
npm	bundled with Node	Installs the Node dependencies

Option A — Install from PyPI

pip install pywacli

Then install the bundled Node.js (Baileys) dependencies:

pywacli init

pywacli init checks that node and npm are on your PATH and runs npm install inside the installed package directory.

Option B — Install from source

# 1. Clone
git clone https://github.com/mantizdigi/pywacli.git
cd pywacli

# 2. Python environment
python -m venv .venv
# Windows
.venv\Scripts\activate
# Linux / macOS
# source .venv/bin/activate

pip install -r requirements.txt

# 3. Node.js dependencies
npm install

Verify the install

pywacli --help

You should see the command list (dashboard, connect, send, automate, media, config, setup, init). Running pywacli with no arguments opens the interactive menu.

Node.js not found?

If pywacli init reports that Node.js or npm is missing, install Node.js from nodejs.org (the LTS build is fine), reopen your terminal so the PATH refreshes, and run pywacli init again.

Next step

Head to the Quickstart to connect WhatsApp and see your first live events.