cli-creator

Design CLI command trees, flags, and I/O contracts before coding.

6|Updated Feb 25, 2026

Search Tags:#design #planning #cli #spec #command-line #interface

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/archibate/archibate-skills --skill cli-creator-archibate

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cli-creator
Source: https://github.com/archibate/archibate-skills/tree/main/old-skills/trash-skills/cli-creator
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/archibate/archibate-skills --skill cli-creator-archibate

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Spec CLI surface area before implementation - command tree, flags, exit codes, I/O contract. Use when designing or planning a CLI interface.

Core Features & Use Cases

Design CLI surface area (syntax + behavior), human-first, script-friendly.
Use Case: when drafting the interface for a new CLI tool to ensure consistent UX and testability.
Example: generate a minimal command tree and a preliminary flag set to guide implementation.

Quick Start

Draft your initial CLI spec by outlining the command tree, essential flags, and I/O contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions about cli-creator

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I design a CLI interface before coding?▼

Design a CLI interface by drafting a compact spec that defines the command tree, arguments, flags, and I/O contracts to lock in behavior before implementation. This ensures consistent UX and testability.

What is a CLI command tree and how does it work?▼

A CLI command tree defines hierarchical subcommand semantics, mapping parent commands to specific nested actions. It structures the interface syntax so users can navigate complex tool functionality intuitively.

What's the best way to plan CLI flags and exit codes?▼

Plan CLI flags and exit codes by generating an argument and option table alongside explicit error mappings. This establishes strict I/O contracts and safety rules for script-friendly automation.

How do I write a CLI spec for a new command-line tool?▼

Write a CLI spec by outlining a usage synopsis, flag tables, subcommand semantics, and environment or config precedence rules. This targets early-stage planning to produce a testable interface blueprint.

Does this approach work for planning complex CLI subcommands?▼

Yes, this approach works for complex CLI subcommands by enforcing subcommand semantics and environment/config precedence within the spec. It scales to handle deep command trees and detailed error mappings.

When should I not use a pre-implementation CLI spec?▼

Avoid using a pre-implementation CLI spec for trivial scripts or prototypes where locking in strict I/O contracts and usage synopses adds unnecessary overhead and slows down rapid iteration.