x-env

name	x-env
description	x-env is x-cmd's environment and package management module for installing and managing third-party software, programming language runtimes, and command-line tools. Use this skill when: installing or managing runtimes (node, python, go, bun, java, rust); installing CLI tools (jq, yq, fzf, himalaya, claude-code); managing multiple software versions (specify versions, switch versions); cleaning up unused packages; viewing installed software paths or dependencies; asking how to install software; temporarily using software in current shell session (try); permanently installing software to user environment (use); upgrading installed software versions; running scripts with specific software versions. This is the core package manager in x-cmd ecosystem.
license	Apache-2.0
compatibility	POSIX Shell (sh/bash/zsh/dash/ash)
metadata	{"author":"X-CMD","version":"1.0.0","category":"core","tags":["shell","cli","tools","package-manager","env","runtime"],"repository":"https://github.com/x-bash/env","install_doc":"data/install.md","display_name":"Environment & Package Manager"}

x env - Environment & Package Manager

Prerequisites

1. Load x-cmd before use:

   . ~/.x-cmd.root/X
   

2. x-cmd not installed? → data/install.md

Core Concepts

• try: Temporarily use software in current shell session (only valid for current terminal)
• use: Permanently install software to user environment (persists after terminal restart)
• untry: Cancel temporarily tried software in current session
• unuse: Remove installed software from user environment
• upgrade: Upgrade installed software versions

Core Functions

• List available versions: x env la <pkg>
• List installed packages: x env ls, x env ll
• Temporary use (try): x env try <pkg>[=<version>]
• Permanent install (use): x env use <pkg>[=<version>]
• Remove package: x env unuse <pkg>
• Upgrade package: x env upgrade <pkg>
• Cleanup packages: x env gc <pkg>
• Find command path: x env which <cmd>
• Check dependencies: x env depend <pkg>

Usage Examples

Install packages

x env use node              # Install default version of node
x env use python            # Install default version of python
x env use go=v1.21.0        # Install specific version
x env use node python go    # Install multiple packages

Temporary use (current shell session only)

x env try node              # Use default node in current session
x env try bun go=v1.17.13   # Use multiple packages with versions
x env untry node            # Cancel temporary use

Version management

x env use --upgrade --all   # Upgrade all installed packages
x env use --upgrade jq yq   # Upgrade specific packages
x env upgrade node python   # Upgrade packages (shorthand)

List and search

x env la node               # List all available node versions
x env ls                    # List packages in use
x env ll                    # List all installed packages
x env which node            # Show node installation path

Cleanup

x env gc jq yq              # Remove specified packages and orphans

Common Scenarios

• Install node: x env use node
• Install python: x env use python
• Install go: x env use go
• Install jq: x env use jq
• Install specific version: x env use node=v18.12.0
• Temporary try: x env try node
• Upgrade all: x env upgrade --all
• Find path: x env which node

Get Help

Run x env --help for full help documentation.