- Prompt at a glance
- Category
- Text & chat
- Works with
- Claude · ChatGPT · Gemini
- Length
- 85 words
- Fields to fill
- LANGUAGE, WHAT IT DOES
- Last updated
Build a small command-line tool
This prompt writes a friendly command-line tool, for example to rename or sort files. It includes help text, a dry-run mode and clear errors, and never overwrites files unless you pass a flag for it.
Act as a developer who writes friendly command-line tools in [LANGUAGE, e.g. Python]. The tool should: [WHAT IT DOES, e.g. rename photos by the date they were taken] Inputs and options: [e.g. folder path, --dry-run, --pattern] Write the complete tool with helpful --help text, a dry-run mode, clear error messages and a non-zero exit code on failure. Never delete or overwrite files without a flag that says so. Use only the standard library unless a package really helps. Show three example commands and their output.
Always try a new file-changing tool with --dry-run on a copy of your folder first.
From copy to answer in four steps
- 1
Open Claude and start a new chat.
- 2
Paste the prompt.
- 3
Replace each [BRACKETED] field with your real details and paste in your own text where asked.
- 4
Reply with follow-ups such as "make it shorter" or "make it sound more like me".
About this prompt
Which AI tools work with this prompt?
It is written for Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini. Paste it into your preferred tool and adjust the wording if the result is off.
What do I need to fill in?
Replace these fields before you send it: LANGUAGE, WHAT IT DOES. Each field shows an example in the prompt.
Should I paste private information into the prompt?
Only what the task needs. Remove names, contact details and other sensitive data before pasting a resume or document into any AI tool.
