Choose command context
These examples use the Compose runtime in v4.2.4. Verify hack version before using the archived command reference.
Use exec when the target service is already running. Use run for a one-off
command in a fresh service container. Use host exec for a command that must run
on the current host with resolved project environment.
hack exec web -- node --version
hack run web node --version
hack host exec --scope web -- node --versionReplace web and the command with your project's actual service and tool. These
examples report the installed Node version in three different execution contexts;
they do not install Node. The host path needs Node on the host. Inspect service
prerequisites and the matching reference before running
migrations or other data-changing commands.
An agent uses the same execution model. Ask it to read project instructions, select the intended host and instance, and inspect state before starting new work.