init documentation for ins arch

Author: paperbenni

.vitepress/config.mts

@@ -70,6 +70,7 @@ export default defineConfig({
           items: [
             { text: 'Welcome', link: '/docs/' },
             { text: 'Installation Guide', link: '/docs/installguide' },
+            { text: 'Arch Installer (ins arch)', link: '/docs/insarch' },
             { text: 'Quick Start', link: '/docs/getting started' },
             { text: 'Update', link: '/docs/update' },
             { text: 'Dotfile management', link: '/docs/insdot' },

docs/insarch.md

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+# Arch installation with `ins arch`
+
+::: info
+There are two installers in circulation right now:
+
+- `ins arch` (Rust, instantCLI): the new installer command
+- `instantARCH` (bash): the legacy installer used by older ISOs and the `instantos.io/install` script
+
+Both are documented below so you can match what you see on your system.
+:::
+
+## `ins arch` (Rust, instantCLI)
+
+`ins arch` is the Rust-based installer being built into instantCLI. It is meant
+to replace the old bash installer and can be used on Arch/instantOS environments
+(including the live ISO).
+
+### Quick start
+
+```bash
+sudo ins arch install
+```
+
+This runs the full flow: asks all questions, writes
+`/etc/instant/questions.toml`, executes the install steps, then shows the
+finished menu.
+
+### Requirements
+
+- Arch or instantOS environment (installer refuses other distros)
+- x86_64 architecture
+- Working internet connection
+- Root privileges for `install`, `ask` (full questionnaire), and `exec`
+
+### Command reference
+
+#### `ins arch install`
+
+Runs the full wizard: `ask` -> `exec` -> `finished`.
+
+#### `ins arch list`
+
+Lists all available question IDs for `ins arch ask`.
+
+#### `ins arch ask [question-id]`
+
+Interactive questionnaire. Without an ID it asks all questions and writes a
+TOML config file.
+
+```bash
+ins arch ask
+ins arch ask <question-id>
+ins arch ask --output-config /tmp/instantos-questions.toml
+```
+
+#### `ins arch exec [--step <step-id>]`
+
+Executes installation steps based on a questions file.
+
+```bash
+ins arch exec --questions-file /etc/instant/questions.toml
+ins arch exec --dry-run
+```
+
+#### `ins arch setup`
+
+Set up instantOS on an existing Arch Linux installation (not a live ISO).
+
+```bash
+sudo ins arch setup --user alice
+sudo ins arch setup --dry-run
+```
+
+#### `ins arch info`
+
+Prints detected system information (boot mode, architecture, GPU, etc.). Safe
+to run on any distro.
+
+#### `ins arch dualboot info`
+
+Analyzes disks for dual boot feasibility and shows partition details.
+
+#### `ins arch upload-logs`
+
+Uploads `/var/log/instantos/install.log` to snips.sh for troubleshooting.
+
+#### `ins arch finished`
+
+Shows the post-install menu (reboot, shutdown, or continue in live session).
+
+### Files and logs
+
+- `/etc/instant/questions.toml` stores the generated installation answers
+- `/var/log/instantos/install.log` captures the installer logs
+
+## Legacy: `instantARCH` (bash)
+
+`instantARCH` is the older bash-based installer built around `instantmenu`. It
+is still what the `instantos.io/install` script runs and what older instantOS
+ISOs ship with.
+
+- Run from an Arch live ISO with `bash <(curl -L instantos.io/install)`
+- Debug mode: set `INSTALLDEBUG=1` or create `/tmp/installdebug`
+- Optional log tag: put an identifier in `/tmp/debugname`
+
+For deeper development notes, see [instantARCH development docs](/development/instantARCH).