LazyCurl CLI: Architecture & Command Implementation

Alex Johnson

-Dec 4, 2025

LazyCurl CLI: Architecture & Command Implementation

Introduction

This article delves into the architecture and implementation of a comprehensive Command Line Interface (CLI) system for LazyCurl. The primary goal is to enable non-interactive usage and automation workflows, making LazyCurl a versatile tool for developers and testers alike. This detailed discussion covers the unified parameter system, commands to be implemented, interaction modes, implementation considerations, and acceptance criteria. Understanding these elements is crucial for effectively leveraging LazyCurl in various development and deployment scenarios.

Architecture

Unified Parameter System

At the heart of LazyCurl's CLI design is a unified parameter system. This system ensures consistency across all commands, making the CLI intuitive and easy to use. The core parameters include:

-w <workspace>: Specifies the workspace to use. Workspaces help in organizing different projects or environments, allowing users to switch contexts seamlessly. For instance, you might have separate workspaces for development, testing, and production environments. This parameter is essential for commands that interact with project-specific data or settings. Proper workspace management is crucial for maintaining a structured and organized workflow, especially in collaborative environments where multiple team members are working on the same project.
-e <env>: Determines the environment to load. Environments are used to manage different configurations, such as API endpoints and authentication credentials, for various stages of development and deployment. Using environments ensures that your commands are executed in the correct context, preventing unintended interactions with live systems. For example, you might have different environments for development, staging, and production, each with its own set of configurations. This parameter is particularly useful when automating deployment pipelines, as it allows you to easily switch between environments without manually changing configurations. The consistent use of environment parameters across all commands makes it easier to manage and execute tasks in different stages of the software development lifecycle.
-c <collection>: Targets a specific collection. Collections are groupings of requests and related configurations, providing a way to organize and manage sets of API calls or tasks. This parameter allows you to focus your operations on a particular subset of your project, making it easier to manage large and complex workflows. Collections can represent different modules, features, or API endpoints, providing a logical structure for your requests. For instance, you might have collections for user authentication, data retrieval, and content management. Effectively utilizing collections enhances the organization and maintainability of your projects, making it simpler to locate and manage specific sets of requests or tasks.

The unified parameter system is a cornerstone of LazyCurl's CLI architecture, ensuring that commands are executed consistently and predictably. By standardizing the way parameters are handled, the CLI becomes more intuitive and easier to use, reducing the learning curve for new users and streamlining workflows for experienced users.

Commands to Implement

LazyCurl's CLI aims to provide a comprehensive set of commands to cover a wide range of use cases. Here's a detailed overview of the commands to be implemented:

Command	Description	Example
`init`	Initializes a workspace. This command sets up the basic directory structure and configuration files needed to start using LazyCurl. It's the first command users will typically run when starting a new project. The `init` command ensures that the necessary files and directories are in place, allowing users to immediately begin organizing their collections and environments. Proper initialization is crucial for setting up a consistent and reproducible environment. For instance, using `lazycurl init myproject` will create a new workspace directory named "myproject" with the required subdirectories and configuration files. This command simplifies the setup process, making it easier for users to get started with LazyCurl.	`lazycurl init <path>`
`help` / `--help`	Provides documentation, rendering Markdown from `./docs/commands/`. This command offers detailed information about each command, its parameters, and usage examples. The documentation is rendered from Markdown files, allowing for easy updates and maintenance. Using a Markdown-based help system ensures that the documentation is both readable and easily editable. The `help` command is essential for users to understand how to use the CLI effectively. For example, `lazycurl help run` will display detailed information about the `run` command, including its syntax, parameters, and usage examples. This command is a valuable resource for both new and experienced users, providing quick access to the information they need to use LazyCurl effectively.	`lazycurl help <command>`
`list`	Lists collections. This command displays a list of available collections within the specified workspace, helping users to quickly identify and manage their collections. The `list` command is useful for navigating through a large number of collections and understanding the structure of your project. For example, `lazycurl list collections` will display a list of all collections in the current workspace. This command simplifies the process of managing collections, allowing users to quickly locate and work with the collections they need.	`lazycurl list <collections>`
`config`	Manages configuration settings. This command allows users to view, add, edit, and delete configuration options, providing fine-grained control over LazyCurl's behavior. Configuration management is critical for customizing LazyCurl to suit specific project requirements and workflows. For instance, `lazycurl config set api_key <your_api_key>` will set the API key configuration option. The `config` command ensures that LazyCurl can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each project, enhancing its flexibility and usability.	`lazycurl config <options>`
`rename` (alias: `r`)	Renames collections, requests, headers, or parameters. If no value is provided, it enters interactive input mode. This command offers a convenient way to rename various components within LazyCurl, ensuring that the project structure remains organized and up-to-date. The interactive input mode makes it easier to rename items when the new name is not immediately known. Renaming is a fundamental operation for maintaining a clean and understandable project structure. For example, `lazycurl rename collection old_name new_name` will rename a collection from "old_name" to "new_name." The `rename` command simplifies the process of maintaining a well-organized project, enhancing collaboration and reducing errors.	`lazycurl rename <type> [options] <old_name> <new_name>`
`env`	Manages environments. This command allows users to add, edit, and delete environments, as well as set environment variables. If called with just a path, it enters Envs Only mode; if called with path and environment, it targets a single environment. Environment management is essential for handling different configurations across various stages of development and deployment. For example, `lazycurl env myproject add dev API_URL https://dev.example.com` will add a new environment variable named "API_URL" with the value "https://dev.example.com" to the "dev" environment. The `env` command simplifies the management of environment configurations, ensuring that commands are executed in the correct context and preventing unintended interactions with live systems.	`lazycurl env <path> <add\|edit\|delete> <env_id\|env_name> <key> <value>`
`run`	Executes a request, providing either a direct result or entering Flash mode with the `-it` flag. This command is the core of LazyCurl's functionality, allowing users to send requests and receive responses. The Flash mode provides a quick TUI for single operations, making it easier to interact with requests in real-time. Running requests is the primary function of LazyCurl, and this command provides the tools needed to execute requests efficiently. For instance, `lazycurl run myrequest` will execute the request named "myrequest" and display the result. The `run` command is the cornerstone of LazyCurl's functionality, enabling users to interact with APIs and services quickly and easily.	`lazycurl run [options] [req_id\|req_name] (-it)`
`body`	Updates the request body. If no value is provided, it enters Flash mode. This command allows users to modify the body of a request, supporting JSON, gRPC, and GraphQL formats. The Flash mode provides a quick TUI for editing the request body. Modifying the request body is crucial for testing different scenarios and ensuring that the API calls are properly configured. For example, `lazycurl body json myrequest '{"key": "value"}'` will update the body of the request named "myrequest" with the provided JSON. The `body` command simplifies the process of updating request bodies, making it easier to test and debug API calls.	`lazycurl body <json\|grpc\|gql> [options] [req_id\|req_name] <value\|nil>`
`scripts`	Updates pre- or post-request scripts. If no value is provided, it enters Flash mode. This command allows users to add or modify scripts that run before or after a request is executed, enabling complex workflows and custom logic. Scripting is a powerful feature for automating tasks and extending LazyCurl's functionality. For instance, `lazycurl scripts pre myrequest 'console.log("Before request");'` will add a pre-request script that logs a message to the console. The `scripts` command enhances LazyCurl's flexibility, allowing users to customize the behavior of requests to suit their specific needs.	`lazycurl scripts <pre\|post> [options] [req_id\|req_name] <value\|nil>`
`header`	Manages headers. If no value is provided, it enters interactive input mode. This command allows users to add, edit, and delete headers in a request. The interactive input mode makes it easier to manage headers when the values are not immediately known. Header management is essential for configuring API calls and ensuring that they are properly authenticated and formatted. For example, `lazycurl header add myrequest Content-Type application/json` will add a "Content-Type" header with the value "application/json" to the request named "myrequest." The `header` command simplifies the process of managing request headers, ensuring that API calls are correctly configured and executed.	`lazycurl header <add\|edit\|delete> [options] [req_id\|req_name] <header_id\|header_name> <value\|nil>`

Interaction Modes

LazyCurl's CLI supports several interaction modes to cater to different use cases and user preferences:

Direct Mode: When a command is executed with all required parameters, it returns the result immediately. This mode is ideal for scripting and automation, where minimal interaction is needed. Direct Mode ensures that commands are executed quickly and efficiently, making it suitable for batch processing and automated workflows. For example, running lazycurl run myrequest -w myworkspace -e dev will execute the request and display the result immediately, without requiring any further interaction. This mode is critical for integrating LazyCurl into CI/CD pipelines and other automated systems.
Flash Mode: Triggered by the -it flag or when a required value is missing, Flash mode provides a quick Terminal User Interface (TUI) for single operations. This mode is useful for interactive tasks, such as editing request bodies or headers, where a visual interface can enhance usability. Flash Mode simplifies complex operations by providing a user-friendly interface within the terminal. For instance, if you run lazycurl body myrequest -it, you will enter Flash Mode, allowing you to edit the request body using a TUI. This mode is particularly helpful for users who prefer a visual interface for certain tasks, making it easier to manage and modify requests interactively.
Envs Only Mode: This mode is activated when the env command is called with just a path. It provides a focused environment editor, allowing users to manage environment variables for a specific workspace. Envs Only Mode streamlines the process of managing environments, making it easier to view, add, edit, and delete environment variables. This mode is designed for users who need to manage environments separately from other tasks. For example, running lazycurl env myproject will open the environment editor for the "myproject" workspace, allowing you to manage environment variables in a dedicated interface.
Interactive Input Mode: This mode is activated when required values are missing from a command. The CLI prompts the user for the missing information, making it easier to execute commands without having to remember all the parameters. Interactive Input Mode enhances the usability of the CLI by guiding users through the command execution process. For example, if you run lazycurl rename collection old_name, the CLI will prompt you for the new name. This mode is invaluable for new users and for commands with complex parameters, as it ensures that all necessary information is provided before execution.

Implementation Considerations

Several key considerations will guide the implementation of LazyCurl's CLI:

[ ] Use Cobra for CLI framework: Cobra is a popular and powerful library for building CLIs in Go. It simplifies the process of creating commands, flags, and arguments, and provides a robust framework for handling user input. Using Cobra ensures that LazyCurl's CLI is well-structured and easy to maintain. Cobra's features, such as automatic help generation and command parsing, significantly reduce development time and improve the user experience.
[ ] Implement shared flags parsing: Shared flags, such as -w, -e, and -c, should be parsed consistently across all commands. This ensures that the CLI is intuitive and that users can easily understand how to use different commands. Implementing shared flags parsing promotes consistency and reduces the likelihood of errors, as users can rely on the same parameters working in the same way across all commands.
[ ] Create Flash mode TUI component: The Flash mode TUI component should provide a user-friendly interface for single operations, such as editing request bodies and headers. This component should be intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall user experience. A well-designed TUI component can significantly improve the usability of LazyCurl, making it easier for users to perform complex tasks within the terminal.
[ ] Implement help system with markdown rendering: The help system should render documentation from Markdown files, allowing for easy updates and maintenance. This ensures that the documentation is always up-to-date and accurate. Using Markdown for documentation simplifies the process of creating and maintaining help content, making it easier for developers to contribute to the project.
[ ] Support piping and scripting workflows: LazyCurl's CLI should support piping and scripting workflows, allowing users to integrate it into their existing automation pipelines. This enhances LazyCurl's versatility and makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of use cases. Supporting piping and scripting is essential for integrating LazyCurl into automated workflows, such as CI/CD pipelines and batch processing scripts.
[ ] JSON output option for automation (--json): Providing a JSON output option allows users to easily parse the results of commands in scripts and other automated systems. This makes it easier to integrate LazyCurl into complex workflows. A JSON output option is crucial for automation, as it allows scripts to easily extract and process the results of LazyCurl commands.

This CLI implementation is related to several other aspects of LazyCurl, including:

Request Panel Implementation (#1): The request panel provides a graphical interface for creating and managing requests. The CLI should integrate seamlessly with the request panel, allowing users to manage requests from both the GUI and the command line.
Response Panel Implementation (#3): The response panel displays the results of requests. The CLI should provide a way to view the response in a formatted way, making it easier to analyze the results.
Session persistence (#11): Session persistence allows users to maintain state across multiple requests. The CLI should support session persistence, allowing users to execute a series of requests within the same session.

Acceptance Criteria

The following acceptance criteria will be used to evaluate the CLI implementation:

[ ] All listed commands are implemented: All commands listed in the Commands to Implement section should be fully implemented and functional.
[ ] Unified parameter system works across all commands: The unified parameter system should work consistently across all commands, ensuring that the CLI is intuitive and easy to use.
[ ] Flash mode provides quick TUI for single operations: Flash mode should provide a user-friendly TUI for single operations, such as editing request bodies and headers.
[ ] Interactive input mode prompts for missing values: Interactive input mode should prompt the user for missing values, making it easier to execute commands without having to remember all the parameters.
[ ] Commands work in CI/CD pipelines (non-interactive): The CLI should work seamlessly in CI/CD pipelines, allowing for automated testing and deployment.
[ ] Help system renders markdown documentation: The help system should render documentation from Markdown files, ensuring that the documentation is always up-to-date and accurate.
[ ] JSON output option for scripting: The CLI should provide a JSON output option, allowing users to easily parse the results of commands in scripts and other automated systems.

Conclusion

The implementation of a comprehensive CLI for LazyCurl is a significant step towards making it a versatile and powerful tool for developers and testers. By adhering to the architecture and implementation considerations outlined in this article, LazyCurl's CLI will provide a consistent, intuitive, and efficient way to interact with APIs and automate workflows. The unified parameter system, various interaction modes, and support for piping and scripting will enhance LazyCurl's usability and make it an invaluable asset for a wide range of use cases.

For further reading on CLI design best practices, you might find this resource helpful: https://clig.dev/. This external resource offers valuable insights into creating effective and user-friendly command-line interfaces.