Butterfish
Open source shell tool that adds AI prompting to your terminal with transparent prompts, configurable models and logging so you can reason about commands before you run them.
Overview
Butterfish enhances bash and zsh with AI assistance at the command line. It provides a transparent prompt system you can configure, along with verbose logging that shows raw requests and responses so you understand what the AI suggests. You can edit the prompts that guide the assistant, pick compatible models and review a log file when running in verbose modes.
The goal is to keep developers in control while making it faster to draft commands, explain errors and generate small scripts. Since it is open source, you can inspect the code, contribute and adapt it to your environment, and there is no license fee, only your model API costs if you connect one.
Key features
- Transparent prompts you can edit in a YAML config for full control
- Verbose mode that logs raw AI requests and responses for auditing
- Open source code with permissive license for customization
- Model agnostic design that works with OpenAI compatible APIs
- Advice and command draft generation directly in the shell
- Configurable behaviors per project or user profile
- Lightweight install that fits typical dev environments
- Community resources and GitHub issues for support
Best for
- Explaining unfamiliar shell errors while staying in context
- Drafting safe commands with a visible prompt and chance to edit
- Generating small scripts that you then review before execution
- Teaching new teammates shell patterns with auditable AI help
- Automating repetitive terminal tasks with human checks
- Running in secure environments with transparent logging
Capabilities
Editable Prompts
Edit the YAML prompt configuration to control behavior and style so generated suggestions match your norms and security expectations.
Verbose Logging
Run with verbose flags to record raw requests and responses for later review which keeps usage auditable.
Commands and Snippets
Ask for a command or script and review the suggestion in your shell before you choose to run it.
Open Source and Models
Use compatible APIs and extend the tool for your stack since the code is open and modifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butterfish free to use?
Yes, it is open source under a permissive license and there is no tool fee.
Can I see exactly what is sent to the model?
Yes, verbose mode logs raw prompts and responses so you can audit usage.
Does it lock me into one provider?
No, it is designed for OpenAI compatible APIs but is not limited to a single vendor.
Can I customize how it behaves?
Yes, you edit a config file to define prompts, styles and defaults for your environment.
Is it safe to run generated commands?
You should always review suggestions before execution, Butterfish is built to keep the human in the loop.
Does it work on macOS and Linux?
Yes, it is a CLI tool for typical shell environments like bash and zsh.
Can teams share configs?
Yes, you can version control prompt files and share them across projects.
Where do I get help?
Documentation and the GitHub repository issues are the main support paths.
