Reimagining CLI tools through pure Python
v0.2.0
Pure Python • Cross-platform • Educational
Pynosaur is an ecosystem of lightweight command-line tools built for learning, training, and exploration. Each tool reimagines a familiar concept — from networking and file navigation to text processing and beyond — using nothing but pure Python and the standard library.
Designed for learners and extenders - These tools are deliberately simple and well-documented, making them perfect for:
- Learning by reading - Understand how CLI tools work under the hood
- Learning by extending - Fork, modify, and build upon existing tools
- Pure Python exploration - No external dependencies, just the standard library
- Training ground - Practice software design and Unix philosophy
Install pget (Python Gets), the package manager for the Pynosaur ecosystem:
# Clone and build pget
git clone https://github.com/pynosaur/pget.git
cd pget && bazel build //:pget_bin
cp bazel-bin/pget ~/.pget/bin/
export PATH="$HOME/.pget/bin:$PATH"
# Install any Pynosaur tool
pget install see
pget install yday
# Start using them
see README.md
ydayEvery Pynosaur tool follows these principles:
- Pure Python - Standard library only, no external dependencies
- Educational - Learn by building real, usable tools
- Exploratory - Reimagine familiar concepts with fresh eyes
- Cross-platform - Works on macOS, Linux, and Windows
- Self-contained - Single binary, no runtime dependencies
This project exists to:
- Empower learners - Readable, extendable tools you can actually understand
- Train developers - Learn Python and Unix concepts through real tools
- Explore ideas - Understand the thinking behind the tools we use every day
- Keep Python pure - Prove what's possible with just the standard library
- Enable extension - Fork any tool and make it yours
Use them. Learn from them. Extend them. Every tool is designed to be understood and modified. It's not about replacing what exists — it's about understanding how it works and making it yours.
- Creating a Program - Build your own Pynosaur tool
- Roadmap - Upcoming tools and features
- Contributing - Help build the ecosystem
MIT Licensed
Developed by @SpacemanY2K38 • Sponsor the developer