ShellGPT (sgpt) is a command-line productivity tool powered by large language models that enables developers to generate shell commands, code snippets, and documentation directly from the terminal. It integrates OpenAI's GPT models with standard command-line interfaces including Bash, Zsh, PowerShell, and CMD, transforming natural language queries into executable commands and working code. ShellGPT solves the common developer need of quickly looking up command syntax, generating boilerplate code, and getting AI assistance without leaving the terminal.
ShellGPT offers shell integration that places AI-generated command suggestions directly into the terminal input line via hotkeys, persistent chat sessions for maintaining context across interactions, a REPL mode for interactive conversations, and custom functions defined as Python scripts for extending capabilities. It accepts input from both stdin and command-line arguments, enabling pipe-based workflows where command output can be fed directly to the AI for analysis. ShellGPT supports different query modes for shell commands, code generation, and general questions.
ShellGPT is designed for developers and system administrators who want a lightweight, focused AI assistant integrated into their existing terminal workflow. It is particularly effective for quickly generating complex command-line one-liners, explaining error messages, writing small utility scripts, and getting answers to technical questions without context-switching to a browser. ShellGPT works on macOS, Linux, and Windows, and competes with tools like tgpt and GitHub Copilot CLI in the terminal AI assistant space, differentiating itself through its persistent chat sessions and custom function support.
