Television CLI
Terminal fuzzy search helps users select files, text and repositories before passing an exact path or snippet to an agent.
- 6,407 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- Television executes source and preview commands from channel settings; user-selected actions may modify files with that user’s permissions.
Install
Manual install
curl -fsSL https://alexpasmantier.github.io/television/install.sh | bashFirst recommended Installation route; inspect the installer script before running it.
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- Television executes source and preview commands from channel settings; user-selected actions may modify files with that user’s permissions.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
Television opens an interactive list that narrows as the user types. Channels supply files, file contents, Git repositories or another configured source. A preview helps users select the correct result before giving an agent an exact path. Custom channels use TOML with separate commands for listing, preview and actions. Shell integration adds history search and completion, while editor integrations are provided separately.
Who it is for. Terminal-agent users locating the right file or repository among similar names.
Good fit when
- An agent task needs an exact file path first.
- A user searches file contents in an unfamiliar repository.
- Several projects require quick Git-directory selection.
- For repeated work, the user wants a custom list with a preview and an action.
Not a fit when
- The workflow must run unattended without an interactive terminal.
- You need full semantic analysis of source code.
- Commands defined by channel configuration must not execute.
Example request
Prepare a Television content-search command so I can select a file and give you its exact path.Limitations
Television is designed for interactive selection, so an unattended agent workflow needs a different way to supply its result. Television runs the channel’s configured source, preview and action commands with user permissions. Shell integration changes startup configuration and keyboard bindings; inspect existing settings before adding it. Editor plugins are installed separately, and installing the CLI does not automatically connect every supported editor.
How to disable. Close Television and remove the shell initialization line if added. Disable unused channels and editor plugins.
FAQ
What opens without arguments?
The `tv` command opens the default file-search channel.
How do I search file contents?
Run `tv text`.
How do I find a Git repository?
Use `tv git-repos`.
What does shell integration add?
Smart completion with `Ctrl+T` and history search with `Ctrl+R`.
Can I build a custom list?
Yes. Define a source command, preview and action in a TOML channel.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Television (this card) | no | 6,407 | |
| fzf | no | 84,034 | builds selection around line streams; Television organizes sources, previews and actions into channels |
| Yazi | no | 43,248 | The terminal file manager helps users preview and organize project files before selecting material for an agent to work on. |
| broot | no | 13,134 | The interactive directory tree helps users find files, inspect folder sizes and run actions without losing project structure. |
README in short
Channels can use environment variables and Docker containers. Configuration can attach a custom action to the selected result.