autonomy
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Getting Started

Set up Autonomy and create your first signal.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • • Node.js 18+ installed
  • • PostgreSQL or MySQL database
  • • Git (for cloning the repository)
  • • Basic understanding of Next.js and TypeScript (optional but helpful)

Installation

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/rswfire/autonomy.git
cd builtwithautonomy.com

2. Install Dependencies

npm install

3. Configure Environment

Create a .env file in the root directory:

DATABASE_URL="postgresql://user:password@localhost:5432/autonomy"
JWT_SECRET="your-secure-secret-key-here"
NODE_ENV="development"

4. Generate Database Schema

npm run db:generate-schema
npx prisma generate
npx prisma migrate dev --name initial_setup

5. Create Owner Account

npm run create:owner

Follow the prompts to create your owner account. This will also create your default private realm.

6. Start Development Server

npm run dev

Open http://localhost:3000 in your browser.

First Steps

1. Login

Navigate to /admin/login and sign in with the owner account you just created.

2. Explore Your Realm

You automatically have a default private realm. This is your sovereign territory for signals.

Learn more about realms →

3. Create Your First Signal

Navigate to Signals in the admin panel and click Create Signal.

  • • Choose a signal type (TEXT, PHOTO, VIDEO, AUDIO, LOCATION)
  • • Add a title and description
  • • Your signal is automatically assigned to your default realm
  • • Set visibility (PUBLIC, PRIVATE, SANCTUM)
Learn more about signals →

4. Create a Cluster

Group related signals together by creating a cluster.

Learn more about clusters →

5. Generate Synthesis

Create AI-powered reflections on your signals using Mirror, Myth, or Narrative modes.

Learn more about synthesis →

Next Steps

Understanding Signals

Learn about the atomic units of lived data.

Working with Realms

Understand sovereignty and multi-tenant isolation.

Why Autonomy Exists

Understand the philosophical foundation.

Database Schema

Explore the technical architecture.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  • Database connection failed: Verify your DATABASE_URL is correct and the database is running.
  • Prisma client not found: Run npx prisma generate
  • Login not working: Check that JWT_SECRET is set in your .env file.
  • Build errors: Delete .next and node_modules, then run npm install && npm run build