Instance command
Switch between IBM instances and teams using the /instance command.
Type /instance to open an interactive selection dialog where you can view and select from your available instances and teams.
Why use the instance command?
- Multi-instance management: Switch between different IBM instances.
- Team selection: Enterprise users can select specific teams within instances.
- Budget visibility: View budget limits and current usage for each instance or team.
- Persistent configuration: Your selection persists across sessions.
How the instance command works
When you type /instance, an interactive table appears showing your available instances and teams. Navigate through options using keyboard controls and select the instance or team you want to use.
Switching instances or teams
Type /instance to open the selection dialog.
Navigate through available options using the arrow keys.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
↑ / ↓ | Navigate through options |
Enter | Select highlighted option |
Esc | Cancel (disabled during first-time setup) |
The highlighted option is marked with ●, and your current selection is marked with ★.
Press Enter to select the highlighted instance or team.
A success message displays your selection. Authentication refreshes automatically, and your selection persists across sessions.
During first-time setup, you must select an instance before you can use Bob Shell. The Esc key is disabled until you complete the initial configuration.
Understanding the instance table
The instance selection table displays different information depending on your plan type:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Selection indicator | ● for highlighted option, ★ for current selection, or empty |
| INSTANCE | IBM instance name |
| PLAN | Subscription plan type |
| TEAM | Team name (enterprise users only) |
| BUDGET | Budget limit: number, ∞ (unlimited), or n/a |
| USAGE | Current usage with 2 decimal places |
Enterprise users see additional team information:
- TEAM column shows available teams
- Select from multiple teams per instance
- Budget and usage displayed per team
- Format:
Instance Name (Plan) : Team Name
Individual plan users work with instances only:
- No TEAM column
- Select instances without team options
- Budget and usage displayed per instance
- Format:
Instance Name (Plan)