cli-design-expert

Provides expert UX guidance for designing CLIs and TUIs with help systems and error messages.

1|Updated Dec 26, 2025

Search Tags:#design #cli #command line #ux #developer ergonomics #help system

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/DammianMiller/universal-agent-memory --skill cli-design-expert

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cli-design-expert
Source: https://github.com/DammianMiller/universal-agent-memory/tree/main/.factory/skills/cli-design-expert
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/DammianMiller/universal-agent-memory --skill cli-design-expert

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps developers design and implement command-line interfaces (CLIs) that are intuitive, user-friendly, and professional, reducing user frustration and improving developer ergonomics.

Core Features & Use Cases

UX Patterns: Guides on command structure, option naming, and exit codes.
Help Systems: Designs for multi-level, example-driven help text.
Error Handling: Best practices for clear, actionable error messages.
Interactive Prompts: Patterns for using libraries like Inquirer.js.
Output Formatting: Techniques for tables, JSON, and progress indicators.
Use Case: When designing a new CLI tool, use this Skill to ensure commands are discoverable, options are predictable, and errors are helpful.

Quick Start

Use the cli-design-expert skill to design the help text for a new 'deploy' command.

Frequently Asked Questions about cli-design-expert

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I design an intuitive command line interface for a new CLI tool?▼

Design an intuitive command line interface by applying user experience patterns, predictable option naming conventions, and progressive disclosure to improve developer ergonomics. This ensures commands are discoverable and the tool is professional.

What is the best way to structure help text for a command line application?▼

The best way to structure help text is using multi-level, example-driven help systems that guide users through command syntax and options. This approach reduces user frustration by providing clear, actionable guidance directly in the terminal.

How should I format error messages and exit codes in a CLI?▼

Format error messages and exit codes in a CLI by following best practices for clear, actionable error descriptions and standardized exit codes. This helps users quickly diagnose issues and script automated recovery workflows.

Can I use interactive prompts and output formatting in a text user interface?▼

Yes, you can use interactive prompts with libraries like Inquirer.js and apply output formatting techniques for tables, JSON, and progress indicators. These patterns create engaging text user interfaces that enhance command line usability.

Does cli-design-expert cover shell completion scripts for command line tools?▼

Yes, cli-design-expert offers best practices for generating shell completion scripts alongside command structure and color usage guidelines. This ensures your CLI provides a seamless, professional developer experience across different terminal environments.