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Install the AI Runtime CLI

Beta

The AI Runtime CLI is in Beta.

This page describes how to install the air CLI and configure authentication against a Databricks workspace.

Requirements​

  • Python 3.10 or newer.
  • A Databricks workspace with AI Runtime enabled. See Requirements.
  • The Databricks CLI, which manages authentication profiles in ~/.databrickscfg.

Install the CLI​

Databricks recommends installing the CLI with uv:

Bash
uv tool install --force databricks-air --python 3.12

uv tool install puts air in its own isolated environment and exposes it on your PATH, so it doesn't conflict with the Python interpreter you use for your training code.

--python 3.12 is recommended but optional. If you do not specify the Python version, uv uses the latest available version that satisfies the the package's Python constraint.

If you don't already have uv, install it first:

Bash
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh

Verify the installation:

Bash
air --version
air --help

Authenticate​

The AI Runtime CLI reuses Databricks CLI authentication profiles. Log in to your workspace and name the profile when prompted:

Bash
databricks auth login --host https://<your-workspace>.cloud.databricks.com

Pass the profile name to any air command with -p. For example:

Bash
air list runs -p my-workspace

Alternatively, set DATABRICKS_CONFIG_PROFILE in your shell to make a profile the default:

Bash
export DATABRICKS_CONFIG_PROFILE=my-workspace

For all authentication options, see Authentication for the Databricks CLI.

Next steps​

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