Last checked: 2026-06-03

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How to start Reasonix: the official DeepSeek terminal path

Start Reasonix from the project directory, not from an abstract agent comparison. The useful first path is Node.js 20.10+, a DeepSeek Platform API key, `npx reasonix code`, then the TUI commands that make the session usable.

2026-06-03·8 minReasonixDeepSeekAPI KeyCLI

Key takeaways

  • The official DeepSeek integration path is simple: install Node.js, get a DeepSeek API key, enter the target project, and run `npx reasonix code`.
  • The key is a provider credential, not a site login. Keep it out of screenshots, comments, public issues, and repository commits.
  • Once the TUI opens, `/help`, `/pro`, and `/preset max` are the first commands worth knowing.
  • For global installs, release downloads, or source builds, verify the current npm and GitHub sources directly instead of copying version tables from third-party posts.

Run the first session from a real project

Reasonix should be introduced as a working terminal agent, so the article should begin with the command sequence a reader can actually run.

Install Node.js 20.10+. On Windows, install Git for Windows. Then open the repository where Reasonix should read and edit files, and run `npx reasonix code` from that directory.

  • DeepSeek Platform: create or copy the API key.
  • Project directory: run `npx reasonix code` where file context should come from.
  • First TUI session: use `/help` to inspect commands before starting a long task.

Keep the API key local and boring

The DeepSeek key belongs to the model provider. It is not the same thing as a community account, a site login, or a discussion identity.

DeepSeek's Reasonix guide says the first run prompts for the key and persists it to local Reasonix config. The article should keep that boundary explicit: the credential stays in local setup, not in public support threads.

After the TUI opens

The first session should not immediately become a huge autonomous task. Start by asking Reasonix to explain the repository, inspect a small file, or draft a plan for a narrow change.

For model control, use `/pro` to arm DeepSeek-V4-Pro for the next turn, or `/preset max` when a whole session needs the stronger model. That keeps the onboarding article concrete without turning it into a benchmark post.

When to use npm, releases, or source

`npx reasonix code` is the clean first-run path because it matches the official DeepSeek guide and requires no global install.

If the reader wants a permanent command, a downloaded binary, or a source build, the article should send them to the live npm package, GitHub releases, and repository README. Do not copy stale version numbers or star counts from reference articles.

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