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Developer Tools
13 min read
Sahasransu Satpathy
9/1/2025
CLI Tools for Web Developers
Boost your productivity with essential command-line tools every web developer should know.
<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>The command-line interface (CLI) is one of the most powerful tools in a web developer’s toolbox. Whether you’re managing projects, testing APIs, or deploying apps, CLI tools can save time and improve efficiency.</p>
<h3>1. Git CLI</h3>
<p>Version control is a must for all developers. Git’s CLI gives you full control over repositories.</p>
<pre><code>{`
git clone https://github.com/user/project.git git checkout -b feature-login git commit -m "Add login feature" `}</code></pre>
<h3>2. npm & npx</h3>
<p>Manage JavaScript packages and run executables without global installs.</p>
<pre><code>{`
npm install tailwindcss npx create-react-app my-app `}</code></pre>
<h3>3. Node.js REPL</h3>
<p>Quickly test JavaScript code directly in the terminal using Node.js’ built-in REPL.</p>
<pre><code>{`
node
2 + 2 4 `}</code></pre>
<h3>4. cURL / HTTPie</h3>
<p>Test APIs directly from the terminal.</p>
<pre><code>{`
curl https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1 http GET https://api.github.com/users/octocat `}</code></pre>
<h3>5. VS Code CLI</h3>
<p>Open projects and files faster using <code>code</code> command.</p>
<pre><code>{`
code . code index.html `}</code></pre>
<h3>6. Docker CLI</h3>
<p>Run and manage containers directly from your terminal.</p>
<pre><code>{`
docker run -d -p 3000:3000 my-app docker ps `}</code></pre>
<h3>7. GitHub CLI (gh)</h3>
<p>Manage repositories, issues, and PRs without leaving your terminal.</p>
<pre><code>{`
gh repo clone user/project gh issue create gh pr status `}</code></pre>
<h3>8. Vercel & Netlify CLI</h3>
<p>Deploy fullstack projects with a single command.</p>
<pre><code>{`
vercel deploy netlify deploy `}</code></pre>
<h3>Bonus Tools</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>zsh + Oh My Zsh</strong>: Better shell experience</li>
<li><strong>pnpm</strong>: Faster alternative to npm</li>
<li><strong>tmux</strong>: Manage multiple terminal sessions</li>
<li><strong>fzf</strong>: Command-line fuzzy finder</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Mastering CLI tools will make you a faster and more productive web developer. Start with Git and npm, then add tools like HTTPie, Docker, and GitHub CLI as your workflow grows.</p>
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