Modern CLI Tools
NEVER USE These Commands
These commands are prohibited. No exceptions, no fallback.
Python:
pip,pip3,pip install,pip freezepython -m venv,virtualenvpython,python3(to run scripts — useuv runinstead)
Node.js:
npm,npm install,npm run,npxyarn
Node Versions:
nvm
Shell:
grep— userg(ripgrep)find— usefd
HTTP:
curl,wget— usexh
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. |
Source: atomikpanda/modern-cli-tools — distributed by TomeVault.