Documentation

Everything you need to connect WakaTime-compatible tooling to Chronova

Last updated March 3, 2026

Quick Install

Linux (GNU libc)

Most Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nx-solutions-ug/chronova-cli/main/install-linux.sh | bash

Linux (musl libc)

Alpine Linux and other musl-based distributions

CHRONOVA_CLI_MUSL=true curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nx-solutions-ug/chronova-cli/main/install-linux.sh | bash

macOS

Supports both Intel (x86_64) and Apple Silicon (ARM64) Macs

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nx-solutions-ug/chronova-cli/main/install-macos.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell)

Windows 10/11 with PowerShell 5.1 or later

irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nx-solutions-ug/chronova-cli/main/install-windows.ps1 | iex

Alternative Windows Command

If you encounter execution policy issues, use:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "& {irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nx-solutions-ug/chronova-cli/main/install-windows.ps1 | iex}"

Post-Installation

1

Configure API Key

Get your API key from chronova.dev/settings and add it to ~/.chronova.cfg:

[settings]
api_key = your-api-key-here
api_url = https://chronova.dev/api/v1
2

Verify Installation

Test your installation:

chronova-cli --version
chronova-cli --today

Troubleshooting

Permission Denied

If you get permission errors:

chmod +x ~/.chronova/chronova-cli

Command Not Found

Ensure ~/.local/bin is in your PATH:

export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"

Windows Execution Policy

Run PowerShell as Administrator:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

Manual Download

Download binaries from GitHub releases:

https://github.com/nx-solutions-ug/chronova-cli/releases

Migration Guide

1

Backup & Install

Creates timestamped backup of ~/.wakatime* files, downloads the correct binary for your platform, and installs to ~/.chronova/

2

PATH & Symlinks

Creates symlinks in ~/.local/bin/ for chronova-cli and wakatime-cli commands. Also creates ~/.wakatime.cfg symlink for plugin compatibility.

3

API Key Migration

Extracts your existing WakaTime API key automatically or prompts you to enter a new one from chronova.dev/settings

4

Editor Integration

VS Code, JetBrains, Vim, and other editor plugins work seamlessly without reconfiguration through compatibility symlinks

Editor Integrations

View All Plugins

Install WakaTime plugins in your editor of choice. They will automatically use the Chronova CLI through compatibility symlinks.

Visual Studio Code

ext install WakaTime.vscode-wakatime

Open the Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X) and search for "WakaTime".

JetBrains IDEs

Settings → Plugins → Marketplace → "WakaTime"

Works with IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, PhpStorm, and Rider.

Neovim/Vim

Plug 'wakatime/vim-wakatime'

Add to your plugin manager (vim-plug example shown above).

Sublime Text

Package Control: Install Package → "WakaTime"

Restart Sublime after installation to initialize the plugin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Chronova different from WakaTime?

Chronova is an alternative to WakaTime that uses compatible APIs. You maintain full ownership of your time-tracking data while using familiar WakaTime tooling and plugins.

Is Chronova endorsed by WakaTime LLC?

No. Chronova is an independent project. WakaTime® is a registered trademark of WakaTime LLC. All compatibility features are provided solely to help teams migrate.

Can I use both Chronova and WakaTime simultaneously?

Yes. You can configure different editors to send data to different endpoints. Ensure each CLI instance uses the correct API key and endpoint configuration.

What happens to my historical WakaTime data?

The Chronova CLI migration tool can automatically transfer your historical coding data, project mappings, and editor integrations from WakaTime.

Are there any limitations with Chronova?

Chronova supports all core WakaTime features but may not include premium features like team dashboards or advanced analytics available in WakaTime paid plans.

Trademarks

Chronova is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to WakaTime LLC. WakaTime® remains a registered trademark of WakaTime LLC. All compatibility features are provided solely to help teams migrate.