# Everything You Need to Know About TDK CLI Core

> Source: <https://dev.to/tdk-cli/everything-you-need-to-know-about-tdk-cli-core-13np>
> Published: 2026-10-18 16:37:38+00:00

TDK CLI Core is the command-line tool at the centre of TDK. It describes each service of an application in a small `service.json` file, generates the local runtime files from those descriptions, and starts the whole stack with Docker and Tilt. You write the application code. The tool writes the plumbing.

`service.json` with its runtime, port, and dependencies.`.autogenerated/`.` tdk up` runs the containers, routes traffic through Traefik, and keeps them updated with Tilt.`tdk project --yes`.` tdk resource <name> --type <type>`. Types include frontend, backend, worker, mcp, and bring-your-own.`tdk up main --dry-run`.` tdk ui`, or check readiness with `tdk status --json`.` tdk doctor --json` checks whether the machine can run the stack.`tdk logs --json --service <name> --tail <n>` prints recent lines for one service.`tdk down` stops the stack.
TDK CLI Core is for local development. It is not a deployment tool, and production deployment stays with Helm, Argo CD, or Kustomize. It also needs a container runtime. Without one, `tdk doctor` says so and the stack does not start.

The [repository](https://github.com/tdk-landscape/tdk-cli-core) has the full command reference. The [generated files reference](https://github.com/tdk-landscape/tdk-cli-core/blob/main/docs/generated-files.md) explains what appears under `.autogenerated/`. The [example repos](https://github.com/tdk-landscape/tdk-erp-system) show complete projects.