What it does
ShellGPT is a command-line tool, used in the text window called the terminal. You type a request in plain words and it answers, writes a command for you or produces a code snippet.
It can turn a request like "find all json files in this folder" into the right command for your system and ask before running it. You can also feed it things like error logs and ask it to explain them.
By default it uses OpenAI's paid API. The README says it can use free local models through Ollama, but it is not optimized for them.
Who it's for
People who use the terminal and want quick help with commands, code and general questions.
Can I use it without coding?
Developers only. It is installed with Python's package tool and used by typing in the terminal. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
- Runs on
- Mac, Windows, Linux
- Computer
- An ordinary computer is fine
- Privacy
- Your choice: run it on your device or use an online service
- API key
- Needed. An API key is a password-like code from an online AI service. What's that?
Try it
- Install ShellGPT using Python's package installer.
- Get an OpenAI API key and enter it when ShellGPT asks.
- Type your question in the terminal after the tool's name.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- Keep your API key private. Never paste it into websites or share it, and set a spending limit with the AI service.
- More on staying safe
Where people are talking about it
- Call GPT-3 from TerminalHacker News · Feb 2023