zx CLI
zx is a JavaScript scripting CLI that escapes external-command arguments and combines their results through asynchronous calls.
- 45,844 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- Apache-2.0
Extended access
Why this level
- Scripts execute external commands under the user account and can modify accessible files.
Install
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add cli/zxDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- Scripts execute external commands under the user account and can modify accessible files.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
zx is a CLI and JavaScript library for shell automation. Asynchronous command calls return results that can be stored or combined with independent operations. Its child-process wrapper escapes interpolated arguments. The CLI runs the script as a file, allowing an agent to prepare automation in a familiar language and inspect it before execution. Multiple JavaScript runtimes and both ESM and CommonJS are supported.
Who it is for. JavaScript developers writing multi-step maintenance scripts that call external commands.
Good fit when
- A script has grown to include conditions and asynchronous operations.
- A branch name or path containing spaces must become a command argument.
- Independent checks can run in parallel and their results be collected.
- The team wants maintenance automation beside its JavaScript project.
Not a fit when
- The target cannot run a supported JavaScript runtime.
- One command is sufficient without variables, branching or result handling.
- The script cannot be reviewed before receiving access to work data.
Example request
Prepare a zx script that runs two independent project checks and collects their results. Show the file before executing it.Limitations
Execution needs a supported JavaScript runtime and Bash or PowerShell; install external commands separately. Argument escaping preserves argument boundaries, but scripts still run with the user’s file access and permissions without isolation. Moving to another OS requires accounting for its available programs and shell syntax. Google hosts the repository, but zx is not an officially supported Google product.
How to disable. Remove zx from project dependencies or uninstall it with the package manager. Stop active scripts separately.
FAQ
Can I use async/await?
Yes. `await` waits for a command, while `Promise.all` combines independent operations. Run commands concurrently only when their access to shared files will not interfere.
Why escape arguments?
A branch name or a path containing spaces should reach the external program as one argument. The wrapper preserves that value’s boundaries; it does not change the command’s permissions or effects.
Does zx work on Windows?
Yes. Windows is supported. Choose Bash or PowerShell and use commands installed on that system.
Is Node.js mandatory?
No. Bun, Deno and GraalVM Node.js are also listed. Check the documented runtime version.
Can I use TypeScript?
Yes. In the [TypeScript guide](https://google.github.io/zx/typescript), select the tab for your runtime. It contains commands for preparing and running the file.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
Examples capture Git output and pass a variable to another program. [zx@lite](https://google.github.io/zx/lite) contains the library’s core functions without the CLI, embedded documentation or manual pages.