justfile

name	justfile
description	justfile/Justfile, recipes, dotenv, recursive just, or cross-platform just. Not for workflow UX or shell scripting.

Justfile Workflow

Boundary

Use justfile for Just-specific implementation. Use workflow-design for command-surface design and shell for script syntax/behavior inside recipes.

Core Principle

A Justfile should expose memorable project tasks while delegating complex logic to scripts when recipes grow too large.

Practical Steps

• Follow existing recipe naming and grouping.
• Keep public recipes short and discoverable.
• Use private helper recipes for shared setup.
• Quote variables passed to shell commands.
• Be explicit about dotenv and environment requirements.
• Test recipes from a clean shell where practical.

Cross-Platform Notes

• Match the repo's configured shell rather than assuming Bash.
• Avoid POSIX-only snippets when Windows support is claimed.
• Prefer calling checked-in scripts for complex multi-line logic.

Anti-Patterns

• Hiding long shell programs inside recipes.
• Creating several aliases for the same task without need.
• Relying on untracked local environment variables.
• Recursive just calls that obscure failure location.

Quick Checks

just --list
just --summary

Run the specific recipe you changed when safe.