modern-cli-tools

Modern CLI Tools

NEVER USE These Commands

These commands are prohibited. No exceptions, no fallback.

Python:

• pip, pip3, pip install, pip freeze
• python -m venv, virtualenv
• python, python3 (to run scripts — use uv run instead)

Node.js:

• npm, npm install, npm run, npx
• yarn

Node Versions:

• nvm

Shell:

• grep — use rg (ripgrep)
• find — use fd

HTTP:

• curl, wget — use xh

Modern Replacements

Task	Command	Replaces
Install Python package	uv add <pkg>	pip install
Run Python tool (one-off)	uvx <tool>	pipx run / pip install + run
Run Python script	uv run script.py	python script.py
Run Python tests	uv run pytest	python -m pytest
Sync Python environment	uv sync	pip install -r requirements.txt
Manage Python version	uv python install 3.12	pyenv / system python
Install Node packages	pnpm install	npm install / yarn
Run Node script	pnpm run <script>	npm run / yarn
Install Node version	fnm install <version>	nvm install
Use Node version	fnm use <version>	nvm use
Search file contents	rg <pattern>	grep -r
Find files	fd <pattern>	find . -name
Make HTTP request	xh GET <url>	curl / wget

Tool Not Installed?

Do NOT fall back to the legacy tool. Stop and tell the user to install the modern tool:

Tool	Official Site
uv / uvx	https://github.com/astral-sh/uv
pnpm	https://pnpm.io
fnm	https://github.com/Schniz/fnm
ripgrep (rg)	https://github.com/BurntSushi/ripgrep
fd	https://github.com/sharkdp/fd
xh	https://github.com/ducaale/xh

Example message to user:

"rg (ripgrep) is not installed. Install it from https://github.com/BurntSushi/ripgrep before continuing."

Red Flags — You Are About to Violate This Skill

Thought	Reality
"The tool isn't installed"	Tell the user to install it. Do NOT fall back to legacy tool.
"Just this once"	No exceptions. Use the modern tool or stop.
"This is a CI/container environment"	Still applies. Notify the user if the tool is unavailable.
"The existing script already uses pip/npm"	Tell the user to migrate. Do not propagate legacy tool usage.
"It's faster/easier to use grep here"	Use rg. It is faster.
"The user didn't ask me to use modern tools"	This skill is always active. It applies regardless.