Bob's CLI

Bob's CLI is a terminal-based AI coding assistant from Bob's Workshop, a Seedling company. It runs an AI engineering partner directly inside the developer's native terminal, with a local-first design that can use on-device models so source code stays on the developer's machine. The project positions itself around developer ownership and on-device control rather than the browser-based, cloud-only approach of most coding assistants.

What It Is

Bob's CLI installs globally as a single bob command and acts as an AI coding partner that lives where the code lives. The README describes it as a senior-level engineering partner that sees your files, understands your architecture, and writes code with your approval.

• Terminal-native runs inside any terminal, including VS Code, Windows Terminal, iTerm, and PowerShell
• Local-first auto-detects a model running locally so basic use needs no internet, API keys, or accounts
• Approval-based edits proposes code changes for the developer to review and accept

Local-First Architecture

The docs describe a tiered model. The local tier runs an on-device model and keeps files and profiling on the developer's machine, while an optional platform tier syncs conversations to the web and adds cloud capabilities. The same commands work across both, so developers scale up without switching tools.

Core Commands

Bob's CLI exposes a focused command set for everyday engineering work.

• Chat and Consult an AI coding partner with file discovery, plus a strategy mode that advises without emitting code
• Index and Analyse project indexing and full QA-style code review that can auto-fix with safety constraints
• Autonomy autonomous repair across an entire codebase
• Push stage, commit, and push to Git in one command

Personalization and Exploration

The README states that a Personalization Mode, powered by what it calls the Frank Reasoning Engine, learns a developer's tone, pacing, and depth and adapts over time. It also describes Deep Dives for sandboxed exploration of a message and Forks for branching a conversation into a sub-project.

Remote Execution and Model Choice

For developers who connect the platform, the project describes SovereignLink for remote execution from any device and cross-surface sync between the CLI and the web app. A bring-your-own-key option lets developers plug in their own provider keys for models such as Claude and Gemini.