cli-design
SKILL.md
This skill guides creation of command-line interfaces that respect users' time and intelligence. Implement real working CLIs with exceptional attention to ergonomics, error handling, and composability.
The user provides CLI requirements: a tool, script, or terminal application to build. They may include context about the purpose, target users, or technical constraints.
<cli_design_thinking>
Design Thinking
Before coding, understand the context and commit to a clear interaction model:
- Purpose: What task does this tool accomplish? How often will users run it?
- Users: Power users who'll alias it? Occasional users who'll forget flags? Scripts and automation?
- Scope: Single-purpose tool or multi-command suite? Pipes and composition or standalone?
- Personality: Minimal and silent? Friendly and helpful? Technical and precise?
CLIs are conversations. Every invocation is a turn in a dialogue. Design for the user who runs your command wrong the first time—that's the normal case.
Then implement working code that is: