Frequently asked questions

What is Uni-CLI?

Uni-CLI is an open-source command runtime for AI agents. It lets an agent search and operate websites, browser sessions, desktop applications, local tools, files, and protocol servers through one command model.

What should I run first?

npm install -g @zenalexa/unicli
unicli search "top Hacker News stories"
unicli hackernews top --limit 5 -f json

The Quickstart explains each step.

Which agents can use it?

Any agent that can start a process can use the CLI. Uni-CLI also provides MCP and ACP servers for clients that prefer protocol connections. See Connect an agent.

What does the catalog contain?

v1.3.0 ships 338 sites in the static adapter catalog.

The same catalog contains 1893 registered commands. Core commands and host-discovered tools join at runtime. Browse the operation catalog or run unicli list.

How do I know which arguments a command accepts?

Run.

unicli describe <site> <command>

Use --full for effect, interaction, approval, evaluation, and repair details.

How does login work?

Each operation declares a public, cookie, header, intercept, or UI strategy. unicli auth setup <site> shows the required credentials. unicli browser profiles --json and unicli auth import can reuse a local browser login. See Authentication.

Where does output go?

Successful data goes to stdout. Structured errors go to stderr and set a meaningful process exit code. Terminal output defaults to Markdown. Add -f json, yaml, csv, or compact for other consumers.

What happens when a site changes?

Adapter errors can include the source file, failed step, and a suggested repair command. Update the named adapter, preview verification with unicli repair <site> <command> --dry-run, then run the verifier. See Self-repair.

Can I add a site?

Yes. unicli init <site> <command> creates a YAML adapter, and unicli dev <path> reloads it during development. Start with Create an adapter.

CLI or MCP?

Use the CLI when the host can start a process and benefits from pipes, files, and complete command coverage. Use MCP when the host manages tools through an MCP server. Both read from the same operation catalog.

Is Uni-CLI free?

Yes. The project uses the Apache-2.0 license and publishes the CLI as @zenalexa/unicli.