DevHQ Documentation

Everything you need to know about protecting your time and getting paid properly. Automated retainer monitoring and git access control for developers.

Overview

DevHQ is the financial and technical guardrail for developers. It automates retainer monitoring and git access control to ensure you get paid for your work.

Core Philosophy

DevHQ acts as an impartial enforcer between you and your client. When the retainer runs dry, commit access stops automatically. No more awkward conversations about unpaid invoices.

How It Works

1. Connect Repository

Link your GitHub/GitLab repository and set your hourly rate

2. Invite Client

Client adds their payment method and makes an initial retainer deposit

3. Start Coding

Work as usual - time is tracked automatically via CLI or manual entries

4. Auto-Protection

If funds run out, the repository locks automatically until replenishment

Quick Start

1

Create Your Account

Sign up at devhq.site/waitlist and complete your profile setup.

2

Create a Project

Go to Projects → New Project. Enter project details, set your hourly rate, and add a project prefix (e.g., "WEB").

3

Start Tracking Time

$curl -fsSL https://www.devhq.site/cli/install.sh | sh
$devhq config set api-token YOUR_TOKEN
$devhq start WEB-001

Key Concepts

Retainer-Based Billing

DevHQ uses a retainer model where clients pre-fund work. As you log hours, the retainer depletes. When it reaches a threshold (default 20%), clients are automatically charged to refill it.

Tracking Codes

Each deliverable gets a unique tracking code (e.g., WEB-001). Use these codes in:

  • deliverable/WEB-001-feature
  • [WEB-001] Implement feature
  • devhq start WEB-001

Git Access Control

DevHQ's signature feature - automatic repository access management based on budget status.

Important

You maintain full repository access at all times. Only client access is controlled by budget status.

GitHub Support

Full support for public and private repositories using GitHub Apps integration.

GitLab Support

Support for both GitLab.com and self-hosted GitLab instances.

CLI Installation

macOS / Linux

curl -fsSL https://www.devhq.site/cli/install.sh | sh

Windows

curl -fsSL https://www.devhq.site/cli/install-windows.ps1 | powershell

Ready to Start?

Join the waitlist to get early access to DevHQ

Join the Waitlist