CLI
Installation

Installation

The redu CLI is distributed as a Python package and (on Linux) as a Debian package.

Before installing the CLI, make sure your system meets the required prerequisites. Then choose the installation method that fits your operating system and workflow.

System requirements

The redu CLI relies on standard system tools.

Python

  • Python 3.9 or newer is required
  • Verify: 
    python3 --version

OpenSSL (required)

OpenSSL is used to generate SSH keys during authentication.

Check if OpenSSL is installed:

openssl version

If not installed, follow the steps below.

Linux (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y openssl

Linux (RHEL / CentOS / Rocky / Alma)

sudo dnf install -y openssl

macOS

Using Homebrew:

brew install openssl

Windows

Install one of the following:

  • OpenSSL for Windows
  • Git for Windows (includes OpenSSL)

Verify:

openssl version

OpenSSH (required)

The CLI uses the system SSH client for redu ssh.

Most systems have OpenSSH installed by default.

Verify:

ssh -V

If missing:

  • Linux:

    sudo apt install -y openssh-client

  • macOS: preinstalled

  • Windows: install OpenSSH Client (Windows optional feature)

Option 1 (recommended): pipx

pipx installs redu as a global command in an isolated environment, without affecting your system Python.

This is the recommended method for most users.

Linux (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y pipx
pipx ensurepath

Restart your terminal (or run source ~/.profile), then install:

pipx install redu

Verify:

redu --help

macOS

Install pipx using Homebrew:

brew install pipx
pipx ensurepath

Restart your terminal, then install:

pipx install redu

Verify:

redu --help

Windows

Install pipx using pip (Python 3.9+ required):

python -m pip install --user pipx
python -m pipx ensurepath

Restart your terminal (PowerShell or CMD), then install:

pipx install redu

Verify:

redu --help

Option 2: Python virtual environment (portable)

Use this method if you cannot use pipx or want full control over isolation.

Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

python3 -m venv ~/redu-venv
source ~/redu-venv/bin/activate
pip install -U pip
pip install redu

Verify:

redu --help

Deactivate when finished:

deactivate

On Windows, activate with:

.\redu-venv\Scripts\activate

Option 3: Debian / Ubuntu (.deb)

If you prefer a system package on Debian-based systems:

wget https://redu.cloud/downloads/cli/latest/redu_1.0.0.deb
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y ./redu_1.0.0.deb

Verify:

redu --help

Updating

How you update depends on how you installed the CLI.

pipx

pipx upgrade redu

Python virtual environment

pip install -U redu

Debian (.deb)

sudo apt install -y ./redu_<NEW_VERSION>_amd64.deb

Uninstalling

pipx

pipx uninstall redu

Python virtual environment

Delete the virtual environment directory.

Debian (.deb)

sudo apt remove redu

Next steps

Once installed, continue with:

  • Authentication (redu auth)
  • Server management (redu server)
  • Networking (redu network)
  • Images (redu image)
  • SSH helpers (redu ssh)

Each command group has dedicated documentation with examples and flags.

OverviewAuthentication