CLIinspired
CLIinspired is a design philosophy and set of patterns that draw on command-line interface (CLI) concepts to guide the design of software interfaces, APIs, and developer tools. It emphasizes explicit commands, composability, predictable behavior, and scriptability, applying beyond traditional terminals to user interfaces, web tools, and libraries. The approach treats interfaces as modular units that can be combined and automated through clearly defined inputs and outputs.
Core principles of CLIinspired include small, single-purpose commands, explicit semantics, and stable interfaces that resist unnecessary
In practice, CLIinspired appears in command-line tooling, API design that uses verbs and subcommands, and user
Reception of CLIinspired is mixed. Proponents appreciate the clarity, predictability, and strong automation potential, while critics