shell-prompt

name	shell-prompt
description	Modern shell prompt configuration with Powerlevel10k and Zsh Vi Mode. Use when configuring shell prompts, setting up vi/vim keybindings in zsh, customizing cursor styles per mode, adding mode indicators, optimizing prompt performance, or troubleshooting slow prompts. Covers P10k instant prompt, vi mode plugins, and cursor customization.

Shell Prompt Skill

Configure high-performance shell prompts with Powerlevel10k and Zsh Vi Mode.

Overview

Modern shell prompts provide:

• Git status with branch, dirty state, and remote tracking
• Environment indicators (Python venv, Node version, K8s context)
• Execution time for long-running commands
• Exit code visualization
• Async updates for responsive experience
• Vi mode indicators and cursor changes

Zsh Vi Mode

Zsh supports vi-style line editing with visual feedback through cursor changes and mode indicators.

Quick Setup (Built-in)

# ~/.zshrc
bindkey -v  # Enable vi mode

# Reduce key timeout for faster mode switching (default 400ms)
export KEYTIMEOUT=10  # 100ms - don't go below 10

Cursor Style by Mode

Change cursor shape based on current mode:

# Add to ~/.zshrc
cursor_mode() {
    # Beam cursor for insert mode
    cursor_beam='\e[6 q'
    # Block cursor for normal mode
    cursor_block='\e[2 q'

     zle-keymap-select {
         [[  == vicmd ]] ||
           [[  =  ]]; 
             -ne 
         [[  == main ]] ||
             [[  == viins ]] ||
             [[  =  ]] ||
             [[  =  ]]; 
             -ne 
        
    }

    zle-line-() {
         -ne 
    }

     -N zle-keymap-select
     -N zle-line-init
}
cursor_mode