Base44: `create` Command Syntax Overhaul with `--no-skills` Flag
Base44Base44 updated the create CLI command with a streamlined syntax, replacing the former -n, --name flag with a positional argument (base44 create [name]). The --description flag was removed entirely, and a new --no-skills flag was introduced to allow developers to skip the automatic installation of AI agent skills during project creation. These changes simplify the command interface and give developers more control over the scaffolding process.
Sources & Mentions
2 external resources covering this update
Updated create Command Syntax
Base44 revised the create command in its CLI, introducing a cleaner, more conventional positional-argument syntax. The command now accepts the project name directly as a positional argument — base44 create [name] — rather than through the former -n, --name flag, which has been removed. This aligns Base44's CLI with standard conventions followed by tools like npm create, cargo new, and similar project scaffolders.
Removed and Added Flags
The --description flag, which previously allowed specifying a project description inline, has been removed from the command interface. Developers who previously relied on this flag will need to supply descriptions through interactive prompts or post-creation configuration.
In its place, a new --no-skills flag has been introduced. By default, when base44 create runs, it automatically installs AI agent skills — integrations that help coding assistants like Claude Code and Cursor understand how to work with Base44 projects. The --no-skills flag allows developers to skip this step, useful for CI pipelines, scripted environments, or scenarios where the AI skills layer is managed separately.
Non-Interactive Mode
When a project name is combined with the --path flag, the create command operates in non-interactive mode, bypassing all prompts. This enables fully automated project scaffolding:
base44 create my-app --path ./my-app --template backend-and-client --deploy
Available Templates
Two project templates remain available:
backend-only— a minimal Base44 backend setup for defining data models and logicbackend-and-client— a full-stack starter including a Base44 backend alongside a Vite + React frontend
The default template is backend-only unless explicitly specified with --template.
Summary of Flag Changes
| Flag | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
-n, --name <name> |
Removed | Replaced by positional [name] argument |
--description |
Removed | No replacement |
--no-skills |
Added | Skips AI agent skills installation |
-p, --path <path> |
Retained | Specifies project directory |
-t, --template <id> |
Retained | backend-only or backend-and-client |
--deploy |
Retained | Auto-builds and deploys after creation |