cli.directory

bat

Git & GitHubShell Utilities

File previews, syntax highlighting, and readable diffs from the terminal.

File previews, syntax highlighting, and readable diffs from the terminal. Built by sharkdp.

Task fit

file previews, syntax highlighting, and readable diffs from the terminal.

Lane

Review PRs, triage issues, inspect workflows, and keep repo work agent-safe.

Operator brief

Use bat for file previews, syntax highlighting, and readable diffs from the terminal.

Run `bat README.md` and see what comes back.

Repository family

sharkdp

First trust check

bat responds locally and is ready for the first real command.

Safe first loop

Install, verify, then run one real command.

GitHub review loop

Install command

$ brew install bat

Operator pack

Copy or export the working notes for this CLI before handing it to an agent.

Verify

$ bat --version

bat responds locally and is ready for the first real command.

First real command

$ bat README.md

First steps

  1. 01Install bat.
  2. 02Run `bat --version` first.
  3. 03Start with `bat README.md`.
  4. 04Install the CLI and make sure it is on your PATH.

When to use / hold off when

Best for

file previews, syntax highlighting, and readable diffs from the terminal.

Use this when

You work with shell utilities and want a fast terminal interface.

Hold off when

You don't work with shell utilities.

Trust and constraints

trusted100/100
Install readyTrusted
JSON outputNo
Non-interactiveYes
CI-friendlyNo

Why operators pick it

  • bat fits git & github well, especially for file previews, syntax highlighting, and readable diffs from the terminal.
  • 16,695 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.

Constraints

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

Facts and links

Install withbrew
Homebrew installs (30d)16.7K
GitHub stars57.8K
LicenseApache-2.0
UpdatedMar 24, 2026
DocumentationOpenGitHubOpenWebsiteOpen