NPM guide
Use npm when you want the fastest 9router trial
The npm package gives individual developers the quickest way to start 9router locally. It is best for first contact, CLI experiments, and verifying that your coding tool can speak to the OpenAI-compatible endpoint.
For developers who want to install 9router quickly and understand what to check before using it for real work.
Quick npm path
The common install path is npm install -g 9router, then running 9router to open the local dashboard. Before relying on it, check the current package version and read the upstream changelog.
On May 8, 2026, npm reported 9router version 0.4.20 as latest. Treat that as a build-time reference and verify npm before any future upgrade.
- Run npm view 9router version before upgrades.
- Start locally, then point your client to http://localhost:20128/v1.
- Keep provider keys out of shell history and public logs.
- Use Docker or a controlled service wrapper for longer-running use.
When npm is enough
Npm is enough when one developer wants to test Codex, Claude Code, Cursor, Cline, or another client against a local 9router endpoint.
It is not enough by itself when multiple people need a shared policy, budget visibility, fallback rules, or an onboarding path after payment.
Upgrade posture
Before upgrading, read release notes for provider changes, token refresh behavior, fallback changes, logging behavior, and dashboard auth updates.
If a coding team depends on 9router during active work, test upgrades with a copy of the data directory rather than making a blind change mid-session.
Common questions
Is npm the same as Docker?
No. Npm is the quickest local install. Docker gives a more repeatable runtime and clearer persistence boundary.
What endpoint should npm users configure?
Use http://localhost:20128/v1 for OpenAI-compatible clients unless you have changed the host or port.
Should teams buy after an npm trial?
If the trial proves value, Pro annual gives a cleaner path for rollout planning, provider policy, and payment-supported onboarding.