gandalf apply: sync the team manifest locally - Gandalf

gandalf apply synchronizes the declarative team manifest to your local agent setup. It runs Smart Merge (non-destructive) and creates a pre-apply safety snapshot before writing so you can roll back with gandalf restore.

Synopsis

gandalf apply [flags]

Flags

Flag	Description	Default
`--manifest`	Path to `gandalf.toml`	search project root
`--dry-run`	Preview without writing	off
`-y`, `--yes`	Skip confirmation prompt	off
`-p`, `--project`	Project directory	`.`
`--home`	Home directory	`$HOME`
`--store`	Gandalf store directory	`~/.gandalf` or `$GANDALF_STORE`
`--json`	Emit JSON output	off

Examples

gandalf apply --dry-run
gandalf apply --yes
gandalf apply --manifest ./config/gandalf.toml --yes

Behavior

Loads and validates gandalf.toml. Missing required env vars are warned on stderr.
Scans local agent setup and generates a sync plan.
Prints “Review Changes before Apply” with numbered items per agent.
If --dry-run, stops here.
Otherwise, prompts for confirmation unless --yes is passed.
Creates a pre-apply safety snapshot.
Applies changes with Smart Merge: new MCP servers, skills, and hooks are added or updated; existing personal settings are preserved.

On success, Gandalf prints the safety snapshot name and the exact rollback command:

gandalf restore --snapshot <backup> --apply --experimental

Smart Merge never deletes or modifies unrelated personal settings. Only entries declared in the manifest are added or updated.

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