snip is a CLI snippet manager that helps developers save, search, and run code snippets directly from the terminal. Unlike shell aliases, snip supports any language (JS, Python, Ruby, etc.), parameterized templates, and dangerous command detection.

How is snip different from pet or navi?

pet and navi are great for shell commands. snip is for developers who save code — deploy scripts, API calls, Docker commands — across any language. It adds safety rails (dangerous command detection), a full TUI, parameterized templates, and URL import that others don't have.

How do I install snip?

Run: npm install -g snip-manager. Requires Node.js 18+.

Does snip support parameterized snippets?

Yes. Use {{variable}} or {{variable:default}} syntax. When you run the snippet, snip prompts for each variable. Example: echo 'docker run {{image:ubuntu:24.04}}' | snip add docker

Can I use snip with fzf?

Yes. Run 'snip fzf' for a searchable list with live preview. You can also bind Ctrl+G to snip using 'eval $(snip widget zsh)' for inline snippet insertion.

Stop digging
through history

Your terminal commands disappear. Your snippets don't. Save once, find instantly, run anywhere — with safety rails and parameterized templates built in.

npm install -g snip-manager View Demo Star on GitHub

snip — Terminal

# Save a parameterized snippet

$ echo 'docker run {{image:ubuntu}} {{cmd:bash}}' | snip add dock

# Run it — snip asks for each variable

$ snip run dock

image [ubuntu]: node:20

cmd [bash]: sh

⚠ Preview: docker run node:20 sh

✓ Running safely...

Why developers switch

Not another snippet tool. A better one.

⚡

Zero-Friction Exec

Run any snippet immediately — no preview modal. Dry-run, force mode, and template prompts built in.

snip exec deploy-api

🧩

Parameterized Templates

Variables with defaults. Prompt at runtime. No more copy-paste-edit.

snip run deploy-prod

⌨️

Ctrl+G Shell Widget

Search and paste snippets inline without leaving your prompt. Works in zsh, bash, and fish.

eval "$(snip widget zsh)"

🏷️

Shell Aliases

Turn every snippet into a native shell command. Tab-completable, zero friction.

eval "$(snip alias)"

🔍

fzf + Fuzzy Search

Native fzf integration with live preview pane. Or use the built-in fuzzy engine.

snip fzf

🛡️

Dangerous Command Detection

Auto-detects rm -rf, sudo, and destructive ops. Preview before every run.

🩺

Health Check

One command to verify your entire setup — storage, editor, fzf, gist sync, completions.

snip doctor

🌐

Grab from Any URL

Import snippets from GitHub, Gists, or any raw URL. Language auto-detected.

snip grab github:user/repo/deploy.sh

🎨

Interactive TUI

Syntax highlighting, line numbers, incremental search, undo delete. A real IDE for snippets.

snip ui

💾

JSON or SQLite

Start simple with JSON. Scale to SQLite when your library grows. Zero migration effort.

🔄

GitHub Gist Sync

Push your library to a Gist. Pull on another machine. Your snippets, everywhere.

🚀

Pipe-Friendly Output

--json, --raw, and cat for scripting. cp, mv, recent for daily management.

snip cat deploy | sh

Honest comparison

Why not pet, navi, or aliases?

Feature	snip	pet	navi	aliases
Multi-language execution	✓ Any	— Shell	— Shell	— Shell
Parameterized templates	✓	✓	✓	—
Dangerous command detection	✓ Auto	—	—	—
Interactive TUI	✓ Split-pane	—	✓ Basic	—
fzf integration	✓ + preview	✓	✓	Manual
Import from URL	✓	—	—	—
SQLite backend	✓ Optional	—	—	—
Shell widget (Ctrl+G)	✓	—	✓	—
Zero config install	✓ npm	✓ Go	Needs cheats	Heavy setup

From zero to
muscle memory

Three keystrokes between you and the command you used last Tuesday.

Capture

Pipe from stdin. Grab from a URL. Or open your editor. Add tags and template variables.

echo 'npm run build' | snip add build --tags deploy

Find

Fuzzy search. fzf with live preview. Or press Ctrl+G inline in your shell.