---
title: "Introduction"
url: https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cli/v1/working-with-functions/introduction/
description: "Catalyst CLI enables you to set up the functions component even after the project is initialized, add multiple functions in your project, configure their memory, test functions in a Node shell, and delete them."
last_updated: 2026-05-12T12:48:30Z
service: All Services
type: general
---

# Working with Functions

### Introduction

Catalyst CLI enables you to set up and work with the project components that you did not initialize during the project initialization. You can set up the client and the functions directories from the CLI at any time while working with the project.

This feature is very convenient if you did not initialize the functions package during the project initialization, or if you initialized an empty project, and then later need the functions component to be added to your application. You can set up the functions directory with one function, and later add more functions to it as needed. You can learn more about Catalyst functions from the [Functions help page.](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/serverless/help/functions/introduction/)

When a Java, Node.js, or Python function is initialized or set up, the dependent files and the configuration files are added automatically to the function's folder by Catalyst. Therefore, it is recommended you create Catalyst functions either using the CLI or the Catalyst console. This allows for the boilerplate code of the dependency files to be added properly in the [standard project directory structure](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cli/v1/project-directory-structure/introduction/) . The
updated information about the function component will also be added to the ` [catalyst.json](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cli/v1/project-directory-structure/catalyst-json/) ` file
when you set it up.

You can also launch a node shell for testing, executing, and debugging Catalyst functions locally from the CLI after you code them. The CLI also lets you delete the deployed functions. We will discuss each of these CLI commands in this help document.

> **Note:**

* Please note that when configuring write permissions for a Function or AppSail profile, the configured Function or AppSail will have privileges to perform all SDK operations within its project.

* If you are a **Visual Studio Code IDE** user, you can install the **Catalyst Tools** extension, and perform CLI operations using your IDE in place of the CLI. Steps to work with Catalyst functions using Visual Studio Code IDE can be found [here](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/catalyst-extensions/vs-code-extension/implementation/#functions)