linear-install-auth

name	linear-install-auth
description	Install and configure Linear SDK/CLI authentication. Use when setting up a new Linear integration, configuring API keys, OAuth2 flows, or initializing LinearClient in your project. Trigger: "install linear", "setup linear", "linear auth", "configure linear API key", "linear SDK setup", "linear OAuth".
allowed-tools	Read, Write, Edit, Bash(npm:*), Bash(pnpm:*), Bash(yarn:*), Grep
version	1.12.0
license	MIT
author	Jeremy Longshore <[e-mail]>
tags	["saas","linear","api","authentication"]
compatibility	Designed for Claude Code

Linear Install & Auth

Overview

Install the @linear/sdk TypeScript SDK and configure authentication for the Linear GraphQL API at https://api.linear.app/graphql. Supports personal API keys for scripts and OAuth 2.0 (with PKCE) for user-facing apps.

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+ (SDK is TypeScript-first, works in any JS environment)
• Package manager (npm, pnpm, or yarn)
• Linear account with workspace access
• For API key: Settings > Account > API > Personal API keys
• For OAuth: Create app at Settings > Account > API > OAuth applications

Instructions

Step 1: Install the SDK

set -euo pipefail
npm install @linear/sdk
# or: pnpm add @linear/sdk
# or: yarn add @linear/sdk

The SDK exposes LinearClient, typed models for every entity (Issue, Project, Cycle, Team), and error classes (LinearError, InvalidInputLinearError).

Step 2: API Key Authentication (Scripts & Server-Side)

Generate a Personal API key at Linear Settings > Account > API > Personal API keys. Keys start with lin_api_ and are shown only once.

import { LinearClient } from "@linear/sdk";

// Environment variable (recommended)
const client = new LinearClient({
  apiKey: process.env.LINEAR_API_KEY,
});

// Verify connection
const me = await client.viewer;
console.log(`Authenticated as: ${me.name} (${me.email})`);

Environment setup:

# .env (never commit)
LINEAR_API_KEY=lin_api_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


  >> .gitignore