/ipa-init
Interactively configure a project's .env file with the IPA-managed variables required by all downstream skills.
Invocation
/ipa-init
Parameters
/ipa-init prompts for all parameters interactively. No arguments are passed at invocation.
| Variable | Required | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
AWS_PROFILE | No | (skipped) | AWS CLI named profile. Omitted from .env if skipped. |
AWS_REGION | Yes | us-east-1 | AWS deployment region |
AWS_ACCOUNT_ID | Yes | (auto-detected) | 12-digit account ID, detected via aws sts get-caller-identity |
APP_NAMESPACE | Yes | app | 1-12 character project prefix (lowercase alphanumeric) |
APP_ENV | Yes | dev | Environment label (dev, stage, prod) |
APP_CODE_AGENT | Auto | claude-code | Fixed value, not prompted |
APP_IAC | Yes | cloudformation | IaC tool: cloudformation or terraform |
What It Does
-
First-time initialization — Presents two batched prompts (4 questions, then 1) covering all configurable variables, with sensible defaults. The split is a tool limit, not a preference:
AskUserQuestionaccepts at most 4 questions per call, and a call that exceeds it is rejected before the builder sees anything. Validates each input against strict regex patterns. Writes the.envfile and generates a.env.exampletemplate (never committed to version control). TheAPP_IACchoice determines whether downstream skills generate CloudFormation or Terraform Makefile targets. -
Re-initialization — Detects an existing
.envfile and enters selective-update mode. Displays current values and prompts only for variables the user wants to change. Warns before overwriting existing values.
Next step: After /ipa-init completes, run /ipa-compose.
Outputs
| Artifact | Path | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Environment file | .env | Project configuration consumed by all IPA skills |
| Example template | .env.example | Sanitized template showing required variables |
Examples
Initialize a new project:
/ipa-init
Respond to the prompts with your AWS profile, region, namespace (myapp), and environment (dev). The skill writes .env and directs you to run /ipa-compose.
Update an existing configuration:
/ipa-init
The skill detects the existing .env, displays current values, and prompts for changes.
Related Skills
- /ipa-compose — Next step after initialization; reads
.envvariables written by this skill - /ipa-security — Embedded in
/ipa-composeon first run; also usable standalone