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Version: 0.12.0

Command Dependencies (cmds)

Command dependencies (depends_on.cmds) are a discovery check: they ensure specific Invowk™ commands are available (discoverable) before your command runs.

Invowk does not execute those commands automatically.

For commands inside modules, this is also a static access check. A module command may depend on commands from the same module, globally installed modules in ~/.invowk/cmds, or direct dependencies declared in the root invowkmod.cue:requires. Commands from unrelated modules or undeclared transitive dependencies fail validation even if they are otherwise discoverable. Root invowkfile commands are checked for discoverability only.

Basic Usage​

depends_on: {
    cmds: [
        {alternatives: ["build"]}
    ]
}

If none of the listed alternatives can be found, Invowk fails with a Missing Commands dependency error.

Naming & Resolution​

  • Same invowkfile: reference commands by name (e.g., "build", "test unit").
  • Modules: use the module-prefixed name (or alias) as shown by invowk cmd (e.g., "shared generate-types").

Alternatives (OR Semantics)​

depends_on: {
    cmds: [
        // Either command being discoverable satisfies this dependency
        {alternatives: ["build debug", "build release"]},
    ]
}

The dependency is satisfied if any alternative is discoverable.

For module commands, the chosen alternative must also pass the static access check described above.

Multiple Requirements (AND Semantics)​

depends_on: {
    cmds: [
        {alternatives: ["build"]},
        {alternatives: ["test unit", "test integration"]},
    ]
}

All entries must be satisfied.

Cross-Invowkfile Requirements​

depends_on: {
    cmds: [{alternatives: ["shared generate-types"]}]
}

This is especially useful when your invowkfile expects another invowkfile/module to be installed.

If you want workflows…​

If you want deploy to actually run build first, do it explicitly in your script (or create a dedicated “workflow” command). Invowk doesn’t orchestrate command execution via depends_on.cmds.

invowk cmd build && invowk cmd deploy

Next Steps​