python-cli
Universal Python CLI development patterns and best practices
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- jr2804/mcp-config-converter
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- January 9, 2026 at 00:36
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- python-cli
- description
- Universal Python CLI development patterns and best practices
- license
- MIT
- compatibility
- opencode
- metadata
- {"related_python_guidelines":"For general Python development, use skill `python-guidelines`","related_coding_principles":"For overall coding standards, use skill `coding-principles`"}
# Python CLI
## What I Do
Provide universal patterns for developing command-line interfaces in Python that work across different projects and domains.
## Universal CLI Architecture
### Framework Selection
**Recommended Frameworks:**
- **Typer**: For simple, type-annotated CLIs
- **Click**: For more complex CLI applications
- **Argparse**: For standard library compatibility
```python
# Universal Typer CLI structure
import typer
from typing import Optional
def main(
input_file: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Input file path"),
output_file: Optional[str] = typer.Option(None, "-o", "--output", help="Output file path"),
verbose: bool = typer.Option(False, "-v", "--verbose", help="Verbose output")
):
"""Universal CLI entry point"""
# CLI logic here
typer.echo(f"Processing {input_file}")
if __name__ == "__main__":
typer.run(main)
```
### Parameter Handling Patterns
```python
# Universal parameter handling
class CLIParameters:
def __init__(self):
self.input_file = None
self.output_file = None
self.verbose = False
def from_args(self, args):
"""Parse arguments into structured parameters"""
self.input_file = args.input_file
self.output_file = args.output_file or f"output_{args.input_file}"
self.verbose = args.verbose
return self
def validate(self):
"""Validate parameters before execution"""
if not os.path.exists(self.input_file):
raise FileNotFoundError(f"Input file not found: {self.input_file}")
```
## When to Use Me
Use this skill when:
- Developing CLI applications in Python
- Standardizing CLI patterns across projects
- Creating reusable CLI components
- Implementing user-friendly command-line tools
## Universal CLI Examples
### Output Formatting
```python
# Universal output formatting with Rich
from rich.console import Console
from rich.panel import Panel
console = Console()
def format_output(result, title="Results"):
"""Universal output formatting"""
panel = Panel.fit(
str(result),
title=title,
border_style="blue",
padding=(1, 2)
)
console.print(panel)
# Usage examples
console.print("[green]✓[/green] Operation completed successfully")
console.print("[red]✗[/red] Error: File not found")
console.print("[yellow]⚠[/yellow] Warning: Deprecated feature used")
console.print("[cyan]?[/cyan] Processing: file.txt")
```
### Environment Variable Integration
```python
# Universal environment variable patterns
import os
from dotenv import load_dotenv
# Load environment variables
load_dotenv()
class EnvironmentConfig:
def __init__(self):
self.debug = os.getenv("DEBUG", "false").lower() == "true"
self.timeout = int(os.getenv("TIMEOUT", "30"))
self.api_key = os.getenv("API_KEY")
def validate(self):
"""Validate required environment variables"""
if not self.api_key and not self.debug:
raise EnvironmentError("API_KEY environment variable required")
```
### Error Handling and User Feedback
```python
# Universal CLI error handling
def handle_cli_error(error, context="CLI"):
"""Handle errors with user-friendly messages"""
console = Console()
if isinstance(error, FileNotFoundError):
console.print(f"[red]✗[/red] File not found: {error.filename}")
suggest_similar_files(error.filename)
elif isinstance(error, PermissionError):
console.print(f"[red]✗[/red] Permission denied: {error.filename}")
console.print("[yellow]⚠[/yellow] Try running with elevated privileges")
else:
console.print(f"[red]✗[/red] {context} error: {str(error)}")
if console.width > 80:
console.print_exception()
```
## Best Practices
1. **Consistency**: Use same CLI patterns across projects
2. **User Experience**: Provide clear, helpful error messages
3. **Documentation**: Include comprehensive help text
4. **Testing**: Test CLI applications thoroughly
## Compatibility
Works with:
- Any Python CLI application
- Cross-project CLI standardization
- Organizational tool development
- Universal command-line patterns
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