# uip vss init

> Syntax and options for `uip vss init`, which writes a `vss.json` configuration at the project root to initialize a vertical solution.

`uip vss init` initializes a new vertical solution in place. It writes a `vss.json` at the project root with empty `processes` and `connections` lists. Use `init` when you already have a project layout and want to drop the solution config into it; reach for [`uip vss scaffold`](./uip-vss-scaffold.md) when you want the upstream template cloned for you.

## Synopsis

```
uip vss init [options]
```

## Options

| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| `-t, --target-path <targetPath>` | Target directory. Defaults to the current working directory. |
| `-n, --name <name>` | Vertical solution name. If omitted, the tool prompts interactively. |

## Examples

```bash
# Interactive — the tool prompts for the name
uip vss init

# Non-interactive — name supplied up front
uip vss init --name "My App"

# Explicit target directory
uip vss init --name "My App" --target-path ./my-app
```

## Data shape (--output json)

```json
{
  "Code": "VerticalSolutionInitialized",
  "Data": {
    "Status": "Initialized successfully",
    "Path": "/Users/alice/my-app/vss.json"
  }
}
```

`init` fails if the target directory does not exist or already contains a `vss.json`.

## Related

- [uip vss scaffold](./uip-vss-scaffold.md) — clone the upstream template instead of initializing in place.
- [uip vss add](./uip-vss-add.md) — register processes against the new `vss.json`.
- [uip vss sync](./uip-vss-sync.md) — reconcile the solution with UiPath Cloud once processes are added.

## See also

- [Vertical Solutions tool overview](./uip-vss.md)
- [Global options](./global-options.md)
- [Exit codes](./exit-codes.md)