Kearne is a new local-first, AI-native mechanical CAD system for parametric and direct modeling, assemblies, simulation, versioned design, drawings, and automation. It is not a FreeCAD rewrite. Native Python/build123d functions are canonical part geometry; C++ owns the project, product semantics, jobs, persistence, and Qt/QML desktop; OCCT evaluates geometry; Codex app-server supplies the AI harness without owning project state.
The project is building the production desktop frontend first. Start with:
Production code lives outside prototype/. Prototypes are permitted only for unresolved feasibility risks and are excluded from the product build. The implementation sequence defines frontend, backend, and release gates.
Desktop work is accepted only when the agent harness can launch the build, inspect semantic UI state, and return a lossless capture of the complete visible Kearne session.
# Debian-family development host: install native prerequisites once.
tools/install-dev-deps-debian.sh
# Existing provisioned host:
python3 tools/bootstrap.py
ctest --preset devThe host installer installs the compiler, Qt, Vulkan software/hardware test support, yaml-cpp, SpaceMouse headers, and build tools, then runs the bootstrap. The bootstrap creates .venv, installs pinned Python tooling, and invokes the selected CMake preset. CMake resolves checksum-pinned native dependencies. The installer refuses a distribution whose Qt is older than 6.8.