How to Build Your Own CLI with Nodejs (and Push it to npm)
Tags: node, javascript, tutorial, beginners
Published: 2023-12-09 19:27:37

**GitHub Repo:** [https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs](https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs)

Creating a command-line interface (CLI) application in Node.js and publishing it to npm (Node Package Manager) and Yarn can be a rewarding way to share your tools with the world.

Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started.

![Arrow](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ir1n93kfavffxzdq68iq.gif)

---

## Support us! 🙏⭐️
By the way, I'm part of the WebCrumbs team, and it would mean a lot if you could check out our no-code solution for Node.js that simplifies web development. [Giving us a star](https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs) would be fantastic.

We're putting in a ton of effort to help devs take their ideas to a live website as quickly and easily as possible (think: effortless plugin and theme integration), and every bit of support is truly appreciated!

{% cta https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs %}⭐️ Give WebCrumbs a Star! ⭐️ {% endcta %}

Ok. Now, let's dive back into writing your own CLI.

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## Step 1: Set Up Your Node.js Project

**Initialize a new Node.js project:** Create a new directory for your project and initialize it with `npm init`. This step will create a package.json file for your project.

**Install necessary packages:** Depending on the functionality of your CLI, you might need various packages. A popular one for CLI development is commander, which simplifies command-line interfaces.

```bash
npm install commander
```

**Write your CLI application:** Create a `index.js` file (or any entry file) and start scripting your CLI. Utilize the packages you've installed to handle command line arguments, execute functionality, etc.

---

## Step 2: Prepare Your CLI for Execution

**Add a shebang line:** At the top of your entry file (index.js), add the shebang line:

```javascript
#!/usr/bin/env node
```

This line tells the system that this script should be run with Node.

**Update package.json:** In your package.json, add a bin field that maps commands to files.

```json
"bin": {
    "your-cli-command": "./index.js"
}
```

**Make your script executable:** Run `chmod +x index.js` to make your script executable.

---

## Step 3: Test Your CLI Locally

**Link your package:** Before publishing, you can test your CLI locally by running `npm link` in your project directory. This makes your CLI command available system-wide.

**Test the CLI:** Try running your CLI command in the terminal to ensure it works as expected.

---

## Step 4: Publish Your CLI to npm

**Create an npm account:** If you don’t have one, create an npm account at [npmjs.com](npmjs.com).

**Login to npm:** In your terminal, run `npm login` and enter your npm credentials.

**Publish your package:** Once logged in, publish your CLI with:

```bash
npm publish
```

**Verify:** Check your package on the npm website to ensure it's published.

---

## Step 5: Add Your Package to Yarn

**Yarn Integration:** Yarn uses the same package registry as npm, so once your package is on npm, it is automatically available for installation through Yarn.

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## Step 6: Updating Your CLI

To update your CLI, make changes to your code, update the version in your package.json, and then run `npm publish` again.

## Step 7: Engage with the Community

**Open Source Contributions:** Since your project is on npm, you can host its source code on GitHub. Don't forget to add a README.md with usage and contribution guidelines.

**Feedback and Improvements:** Encourage users and developers to contribute and provide feedback to improve the CLI.

{% cta https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs %} We are building a CLI for WebCrumbs! {% endcta %}

{% embed https://dev.to/opensourcee/what-is-webcrumbs-m58 %}

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## Congratulations!

You've just learned how to create and publish a CLI using Node.js. Keep iterating based on user feedback and community contributions.

{% cta https://webcrumbs.org %} Join us at WebCrumbs.org! {% endcta %}

Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions! Your journey in open-source development and sharing tools is just beginning, and the community is here to support you. 🚀👨‍💻👩‍💻


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I usually write about JavaScript, WebDev and [Webcrumbs](https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs) ❤️.

{% embed https://dev.to/opensourcee %}