Getting started

Tern runs coding agents side by side, each task in its own git worktree, and brings every change back to one review queue. This page takes you from nothing to a merged change in about five minutes.

1. Install

brew install --cask shubham-1994/tern/tern-desktop   # the Mac app
brew install shubham-1994/tern/tern                  # the CLI and terminal UI

Either is enough: both talk to the same background daemon. You’ll also need git, and at least one agent CLI you’re signed in to (Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, and 13 more). See Download for the files, Linux and FreeBSD.

Tern.app isn’t notarized by Apple yet, so macOS asks once. On macOS 15 and later, open it, then go to System Settings ▸ Privacy & Security ▸ Open Anyway; on macOS 12–14, right-click it ▸ Open. Or run xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Tern.app.

2. Open a project

Open Tern and choose a git repository (⌘O), or run tern inside one. The sidebar lists the project with its main checkout. Every worktree you make will appear under it.

3. Start agents, each in its own worktree

Press ⌘N. Type what the agent should do, pick the agent, and press ⌘↵.

Tern makes a worktree on a new branch (your-name/<task>) and starts the agent in it. Leave the name empty and the first prompt names it.
The composer closes at once; a Creating… row shows until the worktree is ready, then it comes to the front.
Do it again for the next task. Each agent works in its own folder and branch, so they never trip over each other.

⌘T starts an agent in the workspace in front instead, and ⌃` opens a terminal there.

4. Watch, approve, answer

The sidebar shows every worktree and its agents: running (■), waiting for you (●), done (✓).

When an agent asks permission, a line at the bottom says what it wants. Allow, allow always, or reject from there, wherever you are.
Click any agent to switch to its worktree: its own tabs, files and git view.
Close the window if you like: the agents keep running in the daemon.

5. Review and merge

Press F7 for the review queue: every task’s changes against where it started, with the full diff.

Press c to send the agent a comment; it lands in its prompt.
m merges into your branch; p pushes and opens a pull request.
The conflict radar warns when two tasks change the same files.
Done with a worktree? Right-click it ▸ Delete Worktree…: its branch goes too if it’s merged.

The desktop app: everything in it, from panes and the editor to runs and keys.
The command line: tern in your terminal, scripting agents, runs, remote machines.
Your phone: Settings ▸ Remote access, then scan the QR code (details).