Dc CLIDev containers from your terminal.

Dc CLI is an open-source command-line tool for running dev containers from your terminal. Run dc up in any folder: it uses your project's .devcontainer or compose file, forwards the ports and shows a board of what is running. No VS Code required.

Status
Live, v0.23.0
Version
0.23.0
License
MIT
Platforms
macOS, Linux · Intel/AMD, ARM64
Needs
bash 4+ and a container engine
Before · A folder
my-api/ ├─ .devcontainer/ │ └─ devcontainer.json ├─ compose.yaml ├─ src/ └─ package.json
~/my-api $ dc up▌
After · dc boardRunning
dc · my-api
ServiceStatePorts
apprunning3000 → localhost:3000
dbrunning5432
✓ devcontainer started · ports forwarded
~/my-api $ dc exec --service db
A project folder with a devcontainer config becomes a running dev container, with app and database services up and ports forwarded.dc up

What it does

  • 01

    dc up

    Starts the folder you are in from its .devcontainer or compose file and forwards ports, including on Colima.

  • 02

    dc try

    No config? Starts a temporary sandbox with a detected node, python, go or generic profile.

  • 03

    dc exec

    Opens a shell in the app container, or any other service with --service.

  • 04

    dc doctor

    Read-only checks on the engine, socket and workspace, then one suggested next step.

  • 05

    Workspaces

    Recent and favorite folders, including stopped projects. Opening one does not start it.

  • 06

    Pinned actions

    Saved commands that run inside containers. Shared actions need review and trust before they run.

Install

# install script$ curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Brasth/dc-cli/main/install.sh | bash -s -- --with-cli# or Homebrew$ brew tap Brasth/dc-cli && brew install dc-cli# reload your shell, then in a project$ dc up
  • The installer does not install a container engine
  • Update any time with dc upgrade
  • Try it in the browser before installing

Questions about Dc CLI

What is Dc CLI?

Dc CLI is an open-source command-line tool from Brasth for working with dev containers from the terminal. It wraps the official Dev Containers CLI and acts as a daily workspace hub for your projects.

Do I need VS Code to use Dc CLI?

No. Dc CLI works with any editor, or none.

Does Dc CLI change my .devcontainer files?

No. Dc CLI never edits your project's .devcontainer configuration.

What if my project has no dev container config?

Run dc try. It starts a temporary sandbox with a detected node, python, go or generic profile.

Which platforms does Dc CLI support?

macOS and Linux, on Intel/AMD and ARM64. It needs bash 4 or newer and a container engine, which the installer does not install.

Is Dc CLI free?

Yes. Dc CLI is MIT licensed and free to use. The source is at github.com/Brasth/dc-cli.

Recent changes

Full changelog
  1. Dc CLIUpdate with dc upgrade

    v0.23.0 · Phosphor Console

    The dc board is redesigned: services first, compact branding and a phosphor-green accent.

    • Responsive layouts for wide, medium, narrow and minimal terminals, down to 40×12
    • Selected-service details beside or below the list
    • Shortcut footers, scrolling lists and separate hover and keyboard markers
    • Clear loading, refresh, failure and success feedback, with monochrome support
  2. Dc CLIv0.22.0

    v0.22.0

    Release v0.22.0. Full notes are on GitHub.

  3. Dc CLIv0.21.0

    v0.21.0

    Release v0.21.0. Full notes are on GitHub.