cldire

cldire is a cross-platform, open-source tool and library for declarative directory management. It allows users to describe a filesystem layout and related metadata in a configuration file and to apply that description to create, adjust, or prune files and folders. The approach emphasizes idempotence and repeatability, reducing reliance on ad hoc shell scripting for project setup and workspace organization.

Originating in the early 2020s as a small command-line utility, cldire evolved into a reusable library that can be embedded in build scripts and automation pipelines. The project is community-driven and aims to integrate with common development workflows.

Key features include a declarative configuration file (commonly cldire.yaml), support for directories, symlinks, and simple placeholders, and environment-specific profiles. It offers diff and dry-run modes to preview changes, and commands such as init, apply, diff, and prune. The design prioritizes clear error reporting, safety checks, and idempotent operations, making it suitable for repeatable scaffolding tasks.

Usage typically involves writing a configuration that describes the desired tree and then running apply to realize it. A diff command lets users review planned changes before execution, while prune can remove items not present in the current config.

Implementation notes: the core is written in Rust to balance speed and safety, with optional bindings for other languages. The ecosystem includes a small set of plugins and standard predicates to extend capabilities.

See also: declarative configuration, filesystem automation, CLI tools, directory structure management.