> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getbifrost.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# OSS setup

> Connect Bifrost CLI to an open-source Bifrost gateway, store a virtual key for inference, and sign in for management commands.

Use this path for an open-source Bifrost gateway. You need the gateway URL and, if inference authentication is enforced, a virtual key. If you have not installed the CLI yet, see [Install the CLI](/quickstart/cli/getting-started#install-the-cli).

**1. Add a context for your gateway**

```bash theme={null}
bifrost context add local --base-url http://localhost:8080 --use
```

Non-loopback URLs must use HTTPS. Plain HTTP is accepted only for `localhost`, `127.0.0.1`, and `::1`.

**2. Store a virtual key for inference**

Create a virtual key in the dashboard under **Governance → Virtual Keys** and allow the providers and models you need. Then:

```bash theme={null}
printf '%s\n' "$BIFROST_VIRTUAL_KEY" | bifrost auth set-virtual-key --stdin
```

Omit `--stdin` to type the key at a hidden prompt. If the gateway does not enforce inference authentication, this step is optional.

**3. Authenticate for management commands**

If dashboard authentication is enabled, sign in with the dashboard admin account:

```bash theme={null}
printf '%s\n' "$BIFROST_ADMIN_PASSWORD" |
  bifrost auth login --username admin --password-stdin
```

If dashboard authentication is disabled, management commands need no credential.

**4. Verify**

```bash theme={null}
bifrost doctor
bifrost models list
bifrost providers list
```

`bifrost doctor` checks gateway health, management authentication, and model discovery with the current inference credential, and reports `ok` or `failed` for each.

## Next steps

> **[Coding agents](/quickstart/cli/coding-agents)**
>
> Launch Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, or Gemini through Bifrost.

> **[Contexts and credentials](/quickstart/cli/contexts)**
>
> Work across environments and configure CI.

> **[Commands](/quickstart/cli/commands)**
>
> Inspect, query, and administer the gateway.

> **[Virtual Keys](/features/governance/virtual-keys)**
>
> Configure inference access, budgets, and rate limits.


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