Install on Linux

Syntax runs on x86_64 and aarch64 Linux. It is tested on Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+, and Fedora 38+, and works on any glibc-based distribution from roughly the same vintage. Wayland and X11 are both supported for the desktop app; the CLI works in any TTY.

System requirements

For local GPU inference, an NVIDIA GPU with recent drivers is the smoothest path. AMD ROCm is supported for compatible cards. CPU-only serving works for smaller models.

Install

curl -fsSL https://www.syntax-ftc.com/install.sh | bash

The installer drops binaries into a per-user location, registers the desktop entry, and sets up the first-run configuration. Run it again to upgrade.

GPU prerequisites

If you intend to run open-weight models on a local GPU:

• NVIDIA: install the proprietary NVIDIA driver (≥ 545) and ensure nvidia-smi works.
• AMD ROCm: install the ROCm runtime that matches your card and distribution. Syntax detects ROCm at first launch and falls back to CPU if it isn't available.

Docker is optional on Linux but recommended if you plan to run GPU serving engines that ship as containers. The installer can guide you through enabling Docker if it isn't present.

Verify

syntax --version
syntax doctor

syntax doctor runs a self-check that reports your detected hardware, the inference engines that will be available, and any missing dependencies.

What's next

• First launch
• Connecting a harness
• Inference → Hardware support