[Chat Mode]: Automated HVE-Core Installation Agent #81
Description
Chat Mode/Agent Name
hve-core-installer
Type
Custom Agent
Purpose
Reduces HVE-Core setup time from 10-15 minutes of manual configuration to ~30 seconds with a one-click automated installation process. Eliminates common setup errors by handling repository cloning, structure validation, and VS Code settings configuration through a guided agent workflow.
Requirements
Core Capabilities
- Clone hve-core repository to sibling directory (../hve-core)
- Validate required directory structure before modifying settings
- Detect and update VS Code settings.json across all platforms (Windows/macOS/Linux)
- Merge configuration arrays without duplicates (chat.modeFilesLocations, chat.promptFilesLocations, chat.instructionsFilesLocations)
- Create timestamped settings backup before modifications
User Experience
- Shell preference prompt (PowerShell/Bash) with intelligent response handling
- Two authorization checkpoints (initial consent + settings modification)
- Cross-platform command alternatives (PowerShell and Bash) for all operations
- Comprehensive error handling with specific troubleshooting guidance
- Clear progress reporting with status indicators
Documentation
- Installation button badge in README.md linking to automated installation section
- Step-by-step agent instructions in both README and getting-started.md
- Expanded troubleshooting guide covering 6 common installation issues
- Manual installation fallback instructions
Technical Implementation
- Direct clone from github.com/microsoft/hve-core (no external dependencies)
- Agent uses edit/editFiles tool to modify settings.json directly
- Platform-specific path detection using $IsWindows/$IsMacOS/$OSTYPE
- Array merge logic with duplicate prevention
- Rollback capability via timestamped backups