platform-cli

Design and implementation patterns for building command-line tools with modern UX conventions. Use when: (1) designing a new CLI tool, (2) reviewing CLI UX and behavior, (3) defining commands, flags, or help text, (4) implementing error handling or signal handling, (5) planning CLI distribution.

CLI Development Patterns

Modern CLI design patterns for commands, flags, output, errors, signals, config, and distribution.

References

See references/cli-patterns.md for comprehensive guidance organized by:

Design & Naming - Command structure, naming conventions, future-proofing
Flags & Arguments - Standard flags, short forms, boolean negation
Output & Formatting - stdout/stderr, TTY detection, colors, machine-readable formats
Error Handling - Exit codes, error messages, signal-to-noise ratio
Signals & Lifecycle - Ctrl-C handling, cleanup timeouts
Environment & Config - Standard variables, precedence, naming
Distribution & Packaging - Single binary distribution, uninstall instructions
Security & Privacy - Secret handling, telemetry consent