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mlr

Agent-readyData & DBData

CSV transforms, stream processing, and data shaping from the terminal.

CSV transforms, stream processing, and data shaping from the terminal. Built by John Kerl.

Task fit

csv transforms, stream processing, and data shaping from the terminal.

Lane

Inspect schemas, run safe queries, and understand your data fast.

Operator brief

Use mlr for csv transforms, stream processing, and data shaping from the terminal.

Run `mlr --csv cut -f name,email data.csv` and see what comes back.

Repository family

John Kerl

First trust check

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

Safe first loop

Install, verify, then run one real command.

Safe database loop

Install command

$ brew install miller

Operator pack

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

Verify

$ mlr --version

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

First real command

$ mlr --csv cut -f name,email data.csv

First steps

  1. 01Install mlr.
  2. 02Run `mlr --version` first.
  3. 03Start with `mlr --csv cut -f name,email data.csv`.
  4. 04Install a CLI that matches your database engine.

When to use / hold off when

Best for

csv transforms, stream processing, and data shaping from the terminal.

Use this when

You need data processing in both local dev and CI.

Hold off when

You don't work with data processing.

Trust and constraints

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

Why operators pick it

  • mlr fits data & db well, especially for csv transforms, stream processing, and data shaping from the terminal.
  • 768 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.

Constraints

  • Output is mostly plain text.

Repository context

Other CLIs in this family

This is the only CLI surfaced from this family right now.

Facts and links

Install withbrew
Homebrew installs (30d)768
GitHub stars9.8K
LicenseNOASSERTION
UpdatedMar 23, 2026