> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://abil-shrestha-tracer.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# tracer init

> Initialize a new tracer database in your project

## Syntax

```bash theme={null}
tracer init [OPTIONS]
```

## Description

Initializes a new tracer database in the current directory. This creates a `.trace/` directory with a SQLite database and JSONL file for issue tracking.

## Options

**--prefix** `string` (default: bd)

ID prefix for issues. All issue IDs will start with this prefix (e.g., `bd-1`, `bd-2`).

**--path** `string`

Custom database path. If not specified, creates `.trace/<prefix>.db` in the current directory.

## Examples

```bash Default initialization theme={null}
tracer init
```

```bash Custom prefix theme={null}
tracer init --prefix myapp
```

```bash Custom database path theme={null}
tracer init --prefix proj --path /path/to/custom.db
```

## Output

```
✓ Initialized tracer database at .trace/bd.db
  Prefix: bd
  JSONL: .trace/issues.jsonl

Next steps:
  1. Create your first issue: tracer create "My first task"
  2. See ready work: tracer ready
  3. Add to git: git add .trace/issues.jsonl
```

> [!NOTE]
>
> The `.trace/` directory contains both a SQLite database (for querying) and a JSONL file (for git-friendly version control). Always commit the JSONL file to track issue history.

> [!TIP]
>
> Use a short, memorable prefix that relates to your project. Common examples: `api`, `web`, `cli`, `core`.


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