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Everyday commands that matter
This page is the first-week command database: what each core command is for, when to run it, and what question it answers.
Keep the command set smallMost beginners only need onboarding, status, dashboard, logs, and doctor. More commands are not better if the basics are still unclear.
Core six
The command set worth memorizing first
openclaw onboard --install-daemonUse when you need the guided setup path to create a real first baseline.
openclaw gateway statusUse when the first question is “is the gateway actually up?”
openclaw statusUse when you need the broader operational snapshot, not just gateway up/down.
openclaw dashboardUse when you want the normal control UI and a fast reality check that the system feels alive.
openclaw logs --followUse when something looks wrong and you need real runtime evidence instead of guessing.
openclaw doctorUse when you want guided health checks and recovery suggestions.
Decision guide
Which command answers which kind of problem?
Setup problem
If the system is new or badly initialized, start with onboarding rather than random manual edits.
Health problem
If the question is “what is up right now?”, use gateway status or the broader status snapshot.
Diagnosis problem
If the system looks wrong, use logs and doctor before speculative repairs.
- Fresh install:
openclaw onboard --install-daemon - Quick health check:
openclaw gateway status - Broader state:
openclaw status - Normal use:
openclaw dashboard - Evidence-first debugging:
openclaw logs --follow then openclaw doctor
Useful examples
Real first-week command sequences
“I just installed it and want to know if it basically works.”Run onboarding, check gateway status, then open the dashboard.
“The dashboard opens but replies seem weird.”Run openclaw status for the broader snapshot, then watch logs while reproducing the issue.
“I changed something and now I’m not sure what broke.”Use logs and doctor before adding more edits; evidence should lead the repair.
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