> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enclaive.cloud/nitride/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enclaive.cloud/nitride/cli/annotation/read.md).

# read

### **Usage**

```
vhsm nitride annotation read <key>
```

* "key": The exact attestation value to query. It can be provided as plain text or in base64 form. If the value contains reserved URL characters (`/`, `+`, `=`), you must URL-encode it before passing it in the `curl` request. \
  To URL-encode keys on the command line:
  * Python:

    ```bash
    python3 -c "import urllib.parse; print(urllib.parse.quote('8aFCxTWG5+IiPsdOX00aSUKVax/ZrHj6/N+FEXqjRdo='))"
    ```
  * &#x20;`jq`:

    ```bash
    jq -rn --arg v '8aFCxTWG5+IiPsdOX00aSUKVax/ZrHj6/N+FEXqjRdo=' '$v|@uri'
    ```

#### Flags

* [Global HTTP Options](/nitride/cli.md#global-options)
* [Output Options](/nitride/cli.md#output-options)
* [Command Options](/nitride/cli.md#command-options)

**Example**

Read an existing annotation:

```
vhsm nitride annotation read 8aFCxTWG5+IiPsdOX00aSUKVax/ZrHj6/N+FEXqjRdo=
```

#### Output

```
rkodhandapani@blr-mpqob ~ % vhsm nitride annotation read 8aFCxTWG5+IiPsdOX00aSUKVax/ZrHj6/N+FEXqjRdo=
Key        Value
---        -----
created    1756126542
key        8aFCxTWG5+IiPsdOX00aSUKVax/ZrHj6/N+FEXqjRdo=
value      Kernel Command Line / Enclaive Buckypaper v1.0.0 / 2025-06-20
```

**Detailed Explanation**

* key: Must match exactly what was used when creating the annotation. Base64 values are common; ensure correct encoding and consider URL‑encoding when passing keys with reserved characters using cURL.
* value: Returned from the stored annotation to make raw attestation values understandable.