/swarm-init

swarm init

Initialize a Claude Flow swarm with specified topology and configuration.

Usage

npx claude-flow swarm init [options]

Options

• `--topology, -t <type>` - Swarm topology: mesh, hierarchical, ring, star (default: hierarchical)
• `--max-agents, -m <number>` - Maximum number of agents (default: 8)
• `--strategy, -s <type>` - Execution strategy: balanced, parallel, sequential (default: parallel)
• `--auto-spawn` - Automatically spawn agents based on task complexity
• `--memory` - Enable cross-session memory persistence
• `--github` - Enable GitHub integration features

Examples

Basic initialization

npx claude-flow swarm init

Mesh topology for research

npx claude-flow swarm init --topology mesh --max-agents 5 --strategy balanced

Hierarchical for development

npx claude-flow swarm init --topology hierarchical --max-agents 10 --strategy parallel --auto-spawn

GitHub-focused swarm

npx claude-flow swarm init --topology star --github --memory

Topologies

Mesh

• All agents connect to all others
• Best for: Research, exploration, brainstorming
• Communication: High overhead, maximum information sharing

Hierarchical

• Tree structure with clear command chain
• Best for: Development, structured tasks, large projects
• Communication: Efficient, clear responsibilities

Ring

• Agents connect in a circle
• Best for: Pipeline processing, sequential workflows
• Communication: Low overhead, ordered processing

Star

• Central coordinator with satellite agents
• Best for: Simple tasks, centralized control
• Communication: Minimal overhead, clear coordination

Integration with Claude Code

Once initialized, use MCP tools in Claude Code:

mcp__claude-flow__swarm_init { topology: "hierarchical", maxAgents: 8 }

See Also

• `agent spawn` - Create swarm agents
• `task orchestrate` - Coordinate task execution
• `swarm status` - Check swarm state
• `swarm monitor` - Real-time monitoring