Open CLI

direnv

scriptableproductivity
$ brew install direnv
Summary

Per-project env vars, shell automation, and secrets hygiene from the terminal.

  • direnv fits git & github well, especially for per-project env vars, shell automation, and secrets hygiene from the terminal.
  • 11,887 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.
  • Good fit for coding-agent workflows and repeatable scripts.
  • Output is mostly text-first, so verify results before scripting around it.
github-direnv-SKILL.md

Direnv guide

Per-project env vars, shell automation, and secrets hygiene from the terminal. Built by direnv.

Open CLI packages the install path, verify step, and safe-start workflow so this tool can move from “interesting CLI” to something you can actually use. It also integrates with skills.sh so each CLI comes with the right companion skills, not just a binary and a docs link.

When to apply

  • per-project env vars, shell automation, and secrets hygiene from the terminal.
  • You work with productivity workflows and want a fast terminal interface.
  • You need per-project env vars.
  • You need shell automation.
  • You need secrets hygiene.

Quick reference

Installbrew install direnv
Verifydirenv --version
First real commandecho 'layout python' > .envrc && direnv allow

Open CLI × skills.sh

Open CLI integrates direnv with the right skills.sh companions so you get the tool and the workflow together.

Workflow Automation

Recommended pairing

Open CLI recommends this skills.sh skill because it fits productivity workflows. Turn repeated CLI sequences into cleaner, more reliable agent workflows.

View on skills.sh
$ npx skills add https://github.com/supercent-io/skills-template --skill workflow-automation
Starter prompt

Use direnv together with the Workflow Automation skills.sh skill. Start with safe inspection commands, summarize what you find, and ask before any step with side effects.

Also useful from skills.sh
Technical Writingskills.shDebuggingskills.sh

Why this tool

  • direnv fits git & github well, especially for per-project env vars, shell automation, and secrets hygiene from the terminal.
  • 11,887 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.

Watch-outs

  • Output is mostly plain text.
  • Better for local use than CI.

Example workflow

1. echo 'layout python' > .envrc && direnv allow

Safe start

Step 1

Install direnv.

Step 2

Run `direnv --version` first.

Step 3

Start with `echo 'layout python' > .envrc && direnv allow`.

Step 4

Install the CLI and make sure it is on your PATH.

Alternatives worth considering

prettier

Formatting, markdown, and code consistency from the terminal.

eslint

Linting, js rules, and code health from the terminal.

vitest

Testing, watch mode, and js unit tests from the terminal.