enquirer
Advanced tools
Package description
The enquirer npm package is a stylish, intuitive, and user-friendly way to interact with users via the command line. It provides a rich set of prompt types and utilities to make CLI development easier and more interactive.
Text Input
This feature allows you to ask users for text input. The example shows how to ask for a username.
const { prompt } = require('enquirer');
prompt({
type: 'input',
name: 'username',
message: 'What is your username?'
}).then(answer => console.log('Username:', answer.username));Password Input
This feature enables you to securely ask users for a password, hiding their input on the screen.
const { prompt } = require('enquirer');
prompt({
type: 'password',
name: 'password',
message: 'What is your password?'
}).then(answer => console.log('Password:', answer.password));Multiple Choice (Select)
This feature allows users to choose from a list of options. The example demonstrates asking users to pick a color from a list.
const { prompt } = require('enquirer');
prompt({
type: 'select',
name: 'color',
message: 'Pick a color',
choices: ['Red', 'Green', 'Blue']
}).then(answer => console.log('Selected color:', answer.color));Checkbox
This feature lets users select multiple options from a list. The example asks users to select their favorite fruits.
const { prompt } = require('enquirer');
prompt({
type: 'multiselect',
name: 'fruits',
message: 'What are your favorite fruits?',
choices: ['Apple', 'Orange', 'Grape', 'Watermelon']
}).then(answer => console.log('Favorite fruits:', answer.fruits));Inquirer.js is a common alternative to Enquirer with a similar feature set for creating interactive CLI prompts. It's known for its wide adoption and extensive plugin system but is generally considered to be heavier than Enquirer.
Prompts is a lightweight, minimal alternative that focuses on simplicity and performance. While it offers a similar range of prompt types to Enquirer, it might not be as feature-rich or extensible.
Readme
Stylish CLI prompts that are user-friendly, intuitive and easy to create.
>_ Prompts should be more like conversations than inquisitions▌
Created by jonschlinkert and doowb, Enquirer is fast, easy to use, and lightweight enough for small projects, while also being powerful and customizable enough for the most advanced use cases.
Get started with Enquirer, the most powerful and easy-to-use Node.js library for creating interactive CLI prompts.
Install with npm:
$ npm install --save enquirer
(Requires Node.js 8.6 or higher. Please let us know if you need support for an earlier version by creating an issue.)
Enquirer is a Node.js library.
The main export is the Enquirer class.
The easiest way to get started with enquirer is to pass a question object to the prompt method.
const { prompt } = require('enquirer');
const response = await prompt({
type: 'input',
name: 'username',
message: 'What is your username?'
});
console.log(response);
//=> { username: 'jonschlinkert' }
(Examples with await need to be run inside an async function)
Pass an array of "question" objects to run a series of prompts.
const response = await prompt([
{
type: 'input',
name: 'name',
message: 'What is your name?'
},
{
type: 'input',
name: 'username',
message: 'What is your username?'
}
]);
console.log(response);
//=> { name: 'Edward Chan', username: 'edwardmchan' }
Jump to: Getting Started · Prompts · Options · Keypresses
We're currently working on documentation for the following items. Please star and watch the repository for updates!
Create an instance of Enquirer.
Params
options {Object}: (optional) Options to use with all prompts.answers {Object}: (optional) Answers object to initialize with.Example
const Enquirer = require('enquirer');
const enquirer = new Enquirer();
Register a custom prompt type.
Params
type {String}fn {Function|Prompt}: Prompt class, or a function that returns a Prompt class.returns {Object}: Returns the Enquirer instanceExample
const Enquirer = require('enquirer');
const enquirer = new Enquirer();
enquirer.register('customType', require('./custom-prompt'));
Prompt function that takes a "question" object or array of question objects, and returns an object with responses from the user.
Params
questions {Array|Object}: Options objects for one or more prompts to run.returns {Promise}: Promise that returns an "answers" object with the user's responses.Example
const Enquirer = require('enquirer');
const enquirer = new Enquirer();
const response = await enquirer.prompt({
type: 'input',
name: 'username',
message: 'What is your username?'
});
console.log(response);
Use an enquirer plugin.
Params
plugin {Function}: Plugin function that takes an instance of Enquirer.returns {Object}: Returns the Enquirer instance.Example
const Enquirer = require('enquirer');
const enquirer = new Enquirer();
const plugin = enquirer => {
// do stuff to enquire instance
};
enquirer.use(plugin);
Prompt function that takes a "question" object or array of question objects, and returns an object with responses from the user.
Params
questions {Array|Object}: Options objects for one or more prompts to run.returns {Promise}: Promise that returns an "answers" object with the user's responses.Example
const { prompt } = require('enquirer');
const response = await prompt({
type: 'input',
name: 'username',
message: 'What is your username?'
});
console.log(response);
Text (alias for Input)Prompt that auto-completes as the user types, and returns the selected value as a string.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that returns true or false.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that allows the user to enter and submit multiple values on a single terminal screen.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that takes user input and returns a string.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that takes user input, hides it from the terminal, and returns a string.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that returns a list of values, created by splitting the user input. The default split character is , with optional trailing whitespace.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that allows the user to select multiple items from a list of options.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that takes a number as input.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that takes user input and masks it in the terminal. Also see the invisible prompt
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that allows the user to select from a list of options.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that allows the user to replace placeholders in a snippet of code or text.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that allows the user to sort items in a list.
Example
In this example, custom styling is applied to the returned values to make it easier to see what's happening.
Related prompts
↑ back to: Getting Started · Prompts
Prompt that allows the user to provide feedback for a list of questions.
Related prompts
Enquirer 2.0 introduced the concept of prompt "types", with the goal of making custom prompts easier than ever to create and use. There are 4 (soon to be 5!) type classes:
Each type is a low-level class that may be used as a starting point for creating higher level prompts. Continue reading to learn how.
The ArrayPrompt class is used for creating prompts that display a list of choices in the terminal. For example, Enquirer uses this class as the basis for the Select and Survey prompts.
In addition to the options available to all prompts, Array prompts also support the following options.
| Option | Required? | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
type | Yes | string|function | Enquirer uses this value to determine the type of prompt to run, but it's optional when prompts are run directly. |
name | Yes | string|function | Used as the key for the answer on the returned values (answers) object. |
message | Yes | string|function | The message to display when the prompt is rendered in the terminal. |
autofocus | no | string|number | The index or name of the choice that should have focus when the prompt loads. Only one choice may have focus at a time. |
initial | no | string|function | The default value to return when the user does not supply a value. |
format | no | function | Function to format user input in the terminal. |
result | no | function | Function to format the final submitted value before it's returned. |
stdin | no | stream | The input stream to use for emitting keypress events. Defaults to process.stdin. |
stdout | no | stream | The output stream to use for writing the prompt to the terminal. Defaults to process.stdout. |
validate | no | function | Function to validate the submitted value before it's returned. This function may return a boolean or a string. If a string is returned it will be used as the validation error message. |
Array prompts have the following instance properties and getters.
| Property name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
choices | array | Array of choices that have been normalized from choices passed on the prompt options. |
cursor | number | Position of the cursor relative to the user input (string). |
enabled | array | Returns an array of enabled choices. |
focused | array | Returns the currently selected choice in the visible list of choices. This is similar to the concept of focus in HTML and CSS. Focused choices are always visible (on-screen). When a list of choices is longer than the list of visible choices, and an off-screen choice is focused, the list will scroll to the focused choice and re-render. |
focused | Gets the currently selected choice. Equivalent to prompt.choices[prompt.index]. | |
index | number | Position of the pointer in the visible list (array) of choices. |
limit | number | The number of choices to display on-screen. |
selected | array | Either a list of enabled choices (when options.multiple is true) or the currently focused choice. |
visible | string |
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
pointer() | Returns the visual symbol to use to identify the choice that currently has focus. The ❯ symbol is often used for this. The pointer is not always visible, as with the autocomplete prompt. |
indicator() | Returns the visual symbol that indicates whether or not a choice is checked/enabled. |
focus() | Sets focus on a choice, if it can be focused. |
Array prompts support the choices option, which is the array of choices you want to allow the user to select from. Choices may be defined as strings or objects.
Choice objects
Choices are normalized to the following interface:
{
name: string;
message: string | undefined;
value: string | undefined;
hint: string | undefined;
disabled: boolean | string | undefined;
}
Choice properties
| Option | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
name | string | The unique key to identify a choice |
message | string | The message to display in the terminal. name is used when this is undefined. |
value | string | Value to associate with the choice. Useful for creating key-value pairs from user choices. name is used when this is undefined. |
choices | array | Array of "child" choices. |
hint | string | Help message to display next to a choice. |
role | string | Determines how the choice will be displayed. Currently the only role supported is separator. Additional roles may be added in the future (like heading, etc). Please create a [feature request] |
enabled | boolean | Enabled a choice by default. This is only supported when options.multiple is true or on prompts that support multiple choices, like MultiSelect. |
disabled | boolean|string | Disable a choice so that it cannot be selected. This value may either be true, false, or a message to display. |
indicator | string|function | Custom indicator to render for a choice (like a check or radio button). |
Example usage
const { prompt } = require('enquirer');
const question = {
type: 'select',
name: 'color',
message: 'Favorite color?',
initial: 1,
choices: [
{ name: 'red', message: 'Red', value: '#ff0000' },
{ name: 'green', message: 'Green', value: '#00ff00' },
{ name: 'blue', message: 'Blue', value: '#0000ff' }
]
};
prompt(question)
.then(answer => console.log('Answer:', answer))
.catch(console.error);
The BooleanPrompt class is used for creating prompts that display and return a boolean value.
Returns: boolean
The NumberPrompt class is used for creating prompts that display and return a numerical value.
Returns: string|number (number, or number formatted as a string)
The StringPrompt class is used for creating prompts that display and return a string value.
With Enquirer 2.0, custom prompts are easier than ever to create and use.
How do I create a custom prompt?
Custom prompts are created by extending Enquirer's Prompt class, or one of the built-in prompts or low-level types.
const { Prompt } = require('enquirer');
class HaiKarate extends Prompt {
constructor(options = {}) {
super(options);
this.value = options.initial || 0;
this.cursorHide();
}
up() {
this.value++;
this.render();
}
down() {
this.value--;
this.render();
}
render() {
this.clear(); // clear previously rendered prompt from the terminal
this.write(`${this.state.message}: ${this.value}`);
}
}
To register a custom prompt, you must first instantiate Enquirer.
const Enquirer = require('enquirer');
const enquirer = new Enquirer();
Then use the .register() method to add your custom prompt.
enquirer.register('haikarate', HaiKarate);
Now you can do the following when defining "questions".
let spritzer = require('cologne-drone');
let answers = await enquirer.prompt([
{
type: 'haikarate',
name: 'cologne',
message: 'How many sprays do you need?',
initial: 10,
async onSubmit(name, value) {
await spritzer.activate(value); //<= activate drone
return value;
}
}
]);
Key combinations that may be used with all prompts.
| command | description |
|---|---|
| ctrl+a | Move the cursor to the first character in user input. |
| ctrl+c | Cancel the prompt. |
| ctrl+g | Reset the prompt to its initial state. |
Key combinations that may be used on prompts that support user input, such as the input prompt, password prompt, and invisible prompt).
| command | description |
|---|---|
| left | Move the cursor forward one character. |
| right | Move the cursor back one character. |
| ctrl+a | Move cursor to the start of the line |
| ctrl+e | Move cursor to the end of the line |
| ctrl+b | Move cursor back one character |
| ctrl+f | Move cursor forward one character |
| ctrl+x | Toggle between first and cursor position |
These key combinations may be used on prompts that support multiple choices, such as the multiselect prompt, or the select prompt when the multiple options is true.
| command | description |
|---|---|
| space | Toggle the currently selected choice when options.multiple is true. |
| number | Move the pointer to the choice at the given index. Also toggles the selected choice when options.multiple is true. |
| a | Toggle all choices to be enabled or disabled. |
| i | Invert the current selection of choices. |
| g | Toggle the current choice group. |
| command | description |
|---|---|
| fn+up | Decrease the number of visible choices by one. |
| fn+down | Increase the number of visible choices by one. |
| command | description |
|---|---|
| number | Move the pointer to the choice at the given index. Also toggles the selected choice when options.multiple is true. |
| up | Move the pointer up. |
| down | Move the pointer down. |
| ctrl+a | Move the pointer to the first visible choice. |
| ctrl+e | Move the pointer to the last visible choice. |
| (mac) fn+left / (win) home | Move the pointer to the first choice in the choices array. |
| (mac) fn+right / (win) end | Move the pointer to the last choice in the choices array. |
| shift+up | Scroll up one choice without changing pointer position (locks the pointer while scrolling). |
| shift+down | Scroll down one choice without changing pointer position (locks the pointer while scrolling). |
Each prompt takes an options object (aka "question" object), that implements the following interface:
{
// required
type: string | function,
name: string | function,
message: string | function | async function,
// optional
initial: string | function | async function
format: function | async function,
result: function | async function,
validate: function | async function
}
All prompts take the following options.
| Property | Required? | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
type | Yes | string|function | Enquirer uses this value to determine the type of prompt to run, but it's optional when prompts are run directly. |
name | Yes | string|function | Used as the key for the answer on the returned values (answers) object. |
message | Yes | string|function | The message to display when the prompt is rendered in the terminal. |
initial | no | string|function | The default value to return if the user does not supply a value. |
format | no | function | Function to format user input in the terminal. |
result | no | function | Function to format the final submitted value before it's returned. |
validate | no | function | Function to validate the submitted value before it's returned. This function may return a boolean or a string. If a string is returned it will be used as the validation error message. |
Example usage
const { prompt } = require('enquirer');
const question = {
type: 'input',
name: 'username',
message: 'What is your username?'
};
prompt(question)
.then(answer => console.log('Answer:', answer))
.catch(console.error);
Please see CHANGELOG.md.
MacBook Pro, Intel Core i7, 2.5 GHz, 16 GB.
Time it takes for the module to load the first time (average of 3 runs):
enquirer: 4.013ms
inquirer: 286.717ms
Pull requests and stars are always welcome. For bugs and feature requests, please create an issue.
Running and reviewing unit tests is a great way to get familiarized with a library and its API. You can install dependencies and run tests with the following command:
$ npm install && npm test
(This project's readme.md is generated by verb, please don't edit the readme directly. Any changes to the readme must be made in the .verb.md readme template.)
To generate the readme, run the following command:
$ npm install -g verbose/verb#dev verb-generate-readme && verb
| Commits | Contributor |
|---|---|
| 72 | jonschlinkert |
| 12 | doowb |
| 1 | mischah |
| 1 | skellock |
Jon Schlinkert
Thanks to derhuerst, creator of prompt libraries such as prompt-skeleton, which influenced some of the concepts we used in our prompts.
Copyright © 2018, Jon Schlinkert. Released under the MIT License.
FAQs
Stylish, intuitive and user-friendly prompt system. Fast and lightweight enough for small projects, powerful and extensible enough for the most advanced use cases.
We found that enquirer demonstrated a healthy version release cadence and project activity because the last version was released less than a year ago. It has 2 open source maintainers collaborating on the project.
Did you know?
Socket for GitHub automatically highlights issues in each pull request and monitors the health of all your open source dependencies. Discover the contents of your packages and block harmful activity before you install or update your dependencies.
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