AI CLI Manager: A Practical Guide to Managing Cross-Platform AI Coding Assistant CLI Tools in One Place

If you’re a developer, you’ve almost certainly faced this frustration: you want to launch the Gemini CLI to write code in a project directory, but you can’t remember the exact launch command. You install Mistral Vibe only to spend extra time configuring environment variables manually. When switching between different AI coding assistants, you find yourself repeatedly using the cd command to navigate directories and struggling to recall each tool’s unique installation and update steps.

The landscape of AI coding assistants is evolving at a rapid pace, with more than a dozen CLI tools now available—including Gemini, Jules, Claude, and Copilot. Each tool comes with its own installation process, launch syntax, and version management workflow, adding unnecessary friction to daily development. Enter AI CLI Manager: a lightweight tool built specifically for managing multiple AI CLI tools. It centralizes the installation, launch, and integration of various AI coding assistants, and even embeds these tools directly into the Windows right-click context menu. With it, you can launch your chosen AI coding assistant with a single click from any folder, eliminating tedious command-line operations and directory navigation for good.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about AI CLI Manager, from its core features and step-by-step usage to cross-platform compatibility and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll be able to streamline your AI CLI tool management and boost your development productivity significantly.

1. Core Overview of AI CLI Manager

1.1 What is AI CLI Manager?

AI CLI Manager (v1.1.10) is a cross-platform command-line interface tool management dashboard, designed to be the central command hub for AI coding assistant CLI tools on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Built entirely with native scripts (Batch for Windows, Shell for Unix-based systems), it requires no additional dependencies to install or run. Its core capabilities include detecting and installing AI CLI tools, managing tool versions, launching tools with one click, and deep system integration via native context menus—all so you can call your preferred AI coding assistant from any working directory without manual setup.

The tool’s design philosophy is straightforward: eliminate the friction costs of managing multiple AI CLI tools. You no longer need to memorize installation commands or launch syntax for each tool, switch directories manually, or configure system environment variables piecemeal. Every operation is accessible through an intuitive visual menu, and many can even be triggered with a single right-click in your file explorer.

1.2 Key Features (v1.1.10)

AI CLI Manager’s v1.1.10 release packs a robust set of features tailored to developer workflows, with a focus on simplicity, safety, and cross-platform consistency:

• Unified CLI Tool Management: Detect and install missing AI CLI tools in one click, with automatic support for NPM, PIP, and Git+NPM Link installation methods.
• Visual Version Checking: Instantly view the installed version of each tool; uninstalled tools are clearly labeled for easy reference.
• Native System Integration: Embed AI CLI tools into the Windows right-click context menu natively, with Nautilus script support for Linux/macOS for equivalent functionality.
• System Utility Tools: Built-in features to restart File Explorer and clear icon caches, solving common Windows display issues for menus and icons.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Full feature parity between the Windows (Batch) and Linux/macOS (Shell) script versions—no watered-down functionality for Unix-based systems.
• Secure and Controllable: All operations are logged in detail, registry modifications are preceded by optional automatic backups, and all system integrations can be removed with a single click.
• Zero-Configuration Launch: Run the main script and start using the tool immediately—no complex setup or configuration files required.

2. Getting Started: Installation and Launch Across Systems

One of AI CLI Manager’s biggest strengths is its zero-configuration launch: no lengthy installation steps, just run the corresponding script to access the management dashboard. Below is a step-by-step guide for launching the tool on different operating systems, with special instructions for testing the Linux script on Windows.

2.1 Windows (Primary Supported Platform)

Step 1: Launch the Management Dashboard

1. Locate the AI_CLI_Manager.bat file in the project directory.
2. Double-click the file to run it—the script automatically checks for administrative privileges and prompts for elevated access if required.
3. The script detects if Windows Terminal is installed: it uses Windows Terminal as the default if available, and falls back to Command Prompt (CMD) if not.

Step 2: Navigate the Main Menu

After launching, you’ll enter an interactive main menu where all actions are performed by entering a number/letter and pressing Enter. The menu is logically categorized for quick navigation:

• I/V: CLI Tool Management (Install missing tools, view versions)
• 1-11: Launch Specific AI CLI Tools
• A/B/C: Windows Context Menu Management (Add, remove, backup registry)
• D/E: System Utilities (Restart File Explorer, clear icon cache)
• 0: Exit the Dashboard

2.2 Linux & macOS

Step 1: Set Script Executable Permissions

1. Locate the AI_CLI_Manager.sh file in the project directory.
2. Open your terminal, navigate to the script’s folder, and run the following command to grant executable permissions:

   chmod +x AI_CLI_Manager.sh
   

Step 2: Launch the Management Dashboard

Start the dashboard with this simple command:

./AI_CLI_Manager.sh

Note: On Linux, the context menu functionality relies on the Nautilus file manager. If you use alternative file managers (e.g., Nemo, Thunar), you will need to manually adapt the path of the Nautilus scripts generated by the tool.

2.3 Special Scenario: Run the Linux Script on Windows

If you want to test the Linux version of the script on a Windows machine, two convenient methods are available—no full Linux installation required.

Method 1: Git Bash (Easiest Option)

1. Ensure Git is installed on your Windows machine (Git Bash is included with the default Git installation).
2. Right-click inside the AI CLI Manager project folder and select Open Git Bash Here.
3. Grant executable permissions with chmod +x AI_CLI_Manager.sh.
4. Launch the script with ./AI_CLI_Manager.sh.

Note: The sudo command may not work in Git Bash, but core functionality—including menu navigation and tool installation detection—will operate as expected.

Method 2: WSL (Recommended for Full Testing)

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) provides a complete Linux environment for full script testing:

1. If WSL is not installed, open PowerShell as an administrator and run:

   wsl --install
   

   Restart your computer when prompted to complete the installation.

2. Open your WSL distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) from the Windows Start Menu.
3. Navigate to the AI CLI Manager project directory on your Windows drive (WSL mounts the Windows C: drive at /mnt/c):

   cd /mnt/c/Users/[Your Username]/Documents/ai_cli_manager
   

4. Grant permissions and launch the script with chmod +x AI_CLI_Manager.sh and ./AI_CLI_Manager.sh.

Advantage: The WSL environment supports all Linux script features, including sudo-related privilege operations, for complete end-to-end testing.

3. Full Breakdown of Core Features

AI CLI Manager’s functionality is organized into four core modules, each addressing a specific pain point for developers working with multiple AI CLI tools. Below is a detailed guide to using each module, with step-by-step instructions and technical context where relevant.

3.1 CLI Tool Management: One-Click Installation & Version Checking

Feature 1: Detect and Install All Missing CLI Tools (Option I)

This is one of the tool’s most essential features, eliminating the tedious process of installing AI CLI tools one by one:

• Detection Logic: The script iterates through all supported AI CLI tools and checks for each tool’s presence on your system.
• Installation Rule: Only missing tools are installed—already installed tools are marked [ALREADY INSTALLED], and newly installed tools are labeled [INSTALLED].
• Dependency Check: Before installation, the script verifies that Node.js (required for most NPM-based tools), Python (required for Mistral Vibe), and Git (required for NanoCode) are installed. It prompts you to install any missing dependencies.
• Installation Method Compatibility:

  • NPM tools (e.g., Gemini, Jules): Installed globally via npm install -g.
  • PIP tools (e.g., Mistral Vibe): Installed via pip install.
  • Git-cloned tools (e.g., NanoCode): Automatically cloned to the /Tools directory and linked globally with npm link.

Feature 2: View Installed Tool Versions (Option V)

Select this option to display version information for all supported AI CLI tools:

• Installed tools: Show the package name + version number for quick reference.
• Uninstalled tools: Clearly labeled [NOT INSTALLED].
• Parsing Logic: The script supports version parsing for scoped NPM packages (e.g., @google/gemini-cli) and PIP packages, ensuring accurate and reliable version information every time.

3.2 Launch Specific AI CLI Tools with One Click (Options 1-11)

No more memorizing unique launch commands for each tool—simply enter the corresponding number to start your chosen AI CLI tool in your current or target directory.

Input Number	Corresponding Tool	Underlying Launch Command
1	Gemini CLI	gemini
2	Jules CLI	jules
3	Mistral Vibe CLI	vibe
4	iFlow CLI	iflow
5	OpenCode CLI	opencode
6	Qwen Code CLI	qwen
7	KiloCode CLI	kilocode
8	GitHub Copilot CLI	copilot
9	NanoCode CLI	nanocode
10	Claude CLI	claude
11	OpenAI Codex CLI	codex

Key Launch Features:

1. Terminal Compatibility: Windows Terminal is the default launch terminal, with a fallback to CMD if Windows Terminal is not installed.
2. Directory Targeting: The tool defaults to your user profile directory, but automatically navigates to the right-clicked folder if launched from the Windows context menu.
3. Window Isolation: Each tool launches in a separate, independent terminal window—no overlapping processes or interference between tools.

3.3 Windows Context Menu Integration: Ditch Manual Directory Navigation (Options A/B/C)

This is a productivity game-changer for Windows users: embed AI CLI tools into your right-click context menu to launch them from any folder with a single click, no manual cd commands required.

Feature 1: Add the Context Menu (Option A)

Select this option, and the script modifies the Windows Registry (using MUIVerb for cascading menu support) to add the Open with AI CLI right-click option:

• How to Use After Installation:

  1. Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to any folder.
  2. Right-click on an empty area of the folder (or the folder itself).
  3. Hover over the Open with AI CLI option.
  4. Select your desired AI tool from the pop-up submenu.
  5. The terminal launches the AI CLI tool directly in that folder—no extra navigation needed.
• Technical Principle: The script uses the reg add command to write cascading menu configurations to the system registry. No third-party software is required, and the integration is natively compatible with all modern Windows versions.

Feature 2: Remove the Context Menu (Option B)

If you no longer need the AI CLI context menu, this option lets you remove it completely:

1. A confirmation prompt (Y/N) appears to prevent accidental deletion.
2. The script uses the reg delete command to remove all Open with AI CLI registry entries entirely.
3. The change takes effect after restarting File Explorer (use Option D for a quick restart).

Feature 3: Export Registry Backup (Option C)

To avoid errors from registry modifications, we strongly recommend running this option before using Option A for the first time:

• The script backs up your current shell extension registry configurations to the Log Files folder.
• Backup Naming Convention: AI_CLI_Backup_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.reg (timestamped for easy identification of multiple backups).
• Recovery: If you encounter registry issues later, double-click the backup file to restore your original registry settings with one click.

3.4 System Utilities: Fix Common Windows Issues (Options D/E)

Windows is prone to small display and functionality glitches with shell extensions and icon caches—AI CLI Manager includes built-in utilities to resolve these issues quickly, no manual command-line work required.

Feature 1: Restart File Explorer (Option D)

Registry and context menu changes require a File Explorer restart to take effect, and this feature streamlines that process:

• Underlying Command:

  taskkill /f /im explorer.exe && start explorer.exe
  

• Purpose: Quickly refresh the Windows shell to apply context menu, icon, and registry changes immediately.

Feature 2: Deep Icon Refresh (Clear Cache) (Option E)

The Windows icon cache often causes persistent issues like stale old icons or blank icon placeholders—this feature resolves these problems completely:

• Core Operation: Deletes the system’s IconCache.db and iconcache*.db files (the primary icon cache databases).
• Execution Flow: Automatically deletes cache files → restarts File Explorer → rebuilds the icon cache from scratch.
• Use Cases: Run this option after updating AI CLI tool icons or if your context menu icons display incorrectly.

4. Complete List of Supported AI CLI Tools

AI CLI Manager supports 11 popular AI coding assistant CLI tools, with native compatibility for three installation methods: NPM, PIP, and Git+NPM Link. Below is a comprehensive list of supported tools, including their package names, installation types, and launch commands.

Tool Name	Package/Source Code	Installation Type	Launch Command	Notes
Gemini CLI	@google/gemini-cli	NPM	gemini	Official Google AI coding assistant
Jules CLI	@google/jules	NPM	jules	Google’s AI development tool for streamlined workflows
Mistral Vibe CLI	mistral-vibe	PIP	vibe	Official Mistral AI CLI tool
iFlow CLI	@iflow-ai/iflow-cli	NPM	iflow	AI coding tool focused on procedural code generation
OpenCode CLI	opencode-ai	NPM	opencode	Open-source AI coding assistant
Qwen Code CLI	@qwen-code/qwen-code	NPM	qwen	Official Alibaba Cloud Qwen AI coding tool
KiloCode CLI	@kilocode/cli	NPM	kilocode	Lightweight AI coding assistant for fast prototyping
GitHub Copilot CLI	@github/copilot	NPM	copilot	Official GitHub AI coding assistant
NanoCode CLI	GitHub Repository Clone	Git + NPM Link	nanocode	Stored in the /Tools directory after cloning
Claude CLI	@anthropic-ai/claude-code	NPM	claude	Official Anthropic Claude AI coding tool
OpenAI Codex CLI	@openai/codex	NPM	codex	Local version of OpenAI’s Codex AI coding assistant

Installation Logic for Different Tool Types

The script uses tailored detection and installation logic for each tool type to ensure reliability:

1. NPM Tools: Detects installation status with npm list -g; installs missing tools with npm install -g [package name].
2. PIP Tools: Limited to Mistral Vibe—detects installation with pip show mistral-vibe; installs with pip install mistral-vibe.
3. Git+NPM Link Tools: Limited to NanoCode—the script automatically clones the source code to the /Tools/nanocode-2 directory and runs npm link for global access, keeping source code organized and out of your system directories.

5. Cross-Platform Usage Details

AI CLI Manager offers full feature parity across Windows, Linux, and macOS, but the implementation of core features like context menu integration varies by platform to align with native system behavior. Below is a breakdown of platform-specific details and usage notes to ensure a smooth experience on any operating system.

5.1 Windows vs. Linux/macOS Feature Comparison

Feature Module	Windows Implementation	Linux/macOS Implementation	Key Differences
CLI Tool Installation/Launch	Batch script; supports Windows Terminal/CMD	Shell script; native terminal	Core logic identical—only terminal compatibility varies
Context Menu Integration	Registry modification (MUIVerb cascading menus)	Nautilus script generation (~/.local/share/nautilus/scripts)	Linux relies on Nautilus (no Windows Registry equivalent); script-based integration for native behavior
System Utilities	File Explorer restart, icon cache clear	No native utilities	Linux/macOS do not have icon cache or shell refresh issues like Windows
Log Storage	Log Files folder (same directory as script)	Identical to Windows	Same storage path and naming convention for all platforms
Registry Backups	Native registry export (.reg files)	Not applicable	Linux/macOS do not use the Windows Registry—no backup needed

5.2 Linux/macOS Context Menu Usage Instructions

Linux and macOS use Nautilus scripts for context menu integration, a native feature of the Nautilus file manager:

1. Run the Add Context Menu option in AI_CLI_Manager.sh.
2. The script generates launch scripts for all supported AI tools in the ~/.local/share/nautilus/scripts directory.
3. To launch a tool from a folder: right-click the folder in Nautilus, select Scripts, and click your desired AI tool—the tool launches directly in that directory.

6. AI CLI Manager Design Philosophy

Every feature of AI CLI Manager is built to solve real-world developer pain points—no unnecessary bells and whistles, no complex abstractions, and no lock-in to proprietary systems. The tool’s design is guided by a set of core principles that prioritize simplicity, usability, and safety, all while aligning with modern developer workflows.

6.1 The Core Problems It Solves

AI CLI Manager addresses three critical pain points developers face when working with multiple AI CLI tools:

1. High Memory Burden: Each tool has a unique installation command, launch syntax, and update process—memorizing these for a dozen tools is inefficient and error-prone.
2. Tedious Manual Operations: Launching a tool requires navigating to the correct directory with cd commands, a repetitive task that adds friction to development.
3. Poor System Integration: AI CLI tools are disconnected from native file managers, making it impossible to launch tools directly from the folders where you write code.

6.2 Core Design Principles

The tool’s development is anchored by six non-negotiable design principles that shape every feature and update:

1. Simplicity: No configuration files, no additional dependencies, and no complex setup—run the script and start using the tool immediately to lower the barrier to entry.
2. Transparency: All operations (e.g., registry modifications, tool installations) are logged in detail, and critical actions include on-screen prompts to keep developers informed.
3. Safety First: Registry modifications are preceded by optional backups, and the context menu can be removed with a single click to avoid permanent system changes.
4. Hybrid Distribution Compatibility: Native support for both official package manager tools (NPM/PIP) and Git-cloned source code tools, meeting the diverse distribution needs of AI CLI developers.
5. Self-Healing Capabilities: Built-in utilities to resolve common Windows issues (e.g., icon cache corruption, shell extension glitches) so developers don’t need to troubleshoot system problems manually.
6. Speed: Built entirely with native scripts for fast launch times and responsive operations—no slow graphical user interface (GUI) load times or background processes.

7. Logging and Data Backup

AI CLI Manager includes comprehensive logging and backup features to ensure traceability of all operations and protect your system from accidental changes. All logs and backups are stored in a dedicated folder for easy access, and no data is sent to external servers—your system and usage data stay local.

7.1 Log Management

• Log Storage Location: All logs are saved in the Log Files folder in the same directory as the main script.
• Log Naming Convention: AI_CLI_MG_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_mmm.log (timestamped to the millisecond for precise tracking).
• Log Content: Includes user inputs, operation execution results, error messages, and timestamps—everything you need to troubleshoot issues or review past actions.

7.2 Registry Backups (Windows Only)

Registry backups are a critical safety feature for Windows users, protecting against accidental corruption from shell extension modifications:

• Backup Trigger: Generated manually when you run Option C, or recommended before running Option A for the first time.
• Backup Location: Stored in the Log Files folder with the naming convention AI_CLI_Backup_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.reg.
• Recovery Method: Double-click the backup .reg file and confirm the registry import to restore your original shell extension settings in seconds.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are solutions to the most common issues developers encounter when using AI CLI Manager. All answers are based on real-world usage scenarios and the tool’s native functionality—no third-party software or advanced system knowledge required.

Q1: I receive an “Access Denied” error when running the script. What should I do?

Reason: Modifying the Windows Registry and installing global NPM packages require administrative privileges; Linux/macOS require root access for certain system operations.
Solution:

• On Windows: Right-click AI_CLI_Manager.bat and select Run as administrator.
• On Linux/macOS: Prefix the launch command with sudo (e.g., sudo ./AI_CLI_Manager.sh).

Q2: After installing a tool, the terminal says the command is not found when I try to launch it.

Reason: The installed tool is not added to your system’s PATH environment variable, or the terminal has not refreshed its environment variables.
Solution:

1. Restart your terminal (or your computer) to refresh the system PATH and load the new tool’s executable.
2. Verify the installation was successful by checking the logs in the Log Files folder for no error messages during the install process.
3. Manually confirm the installation with a package manager command (e.g., npm list -g @google/gemini-cli for Gemini CLI).

Q3: The Windows context menu does not appear after I run Option A.

Reason: File Explorer has not refreshed to load the new registry entries, or the registry write operation failed (e.g., insufficient privileges).
Solution:

1. Run Option D to restart File Explorer and load the new context menu.
2. If the menu still does not appear, run Option B to remove the menu and re-run Option A to add it again.
3. Check the Log Files folder for errors during the registry write process (e.g., “Access Denied” messages).

Q4: The context menu appears, but the tool launches in the wrong directory.

Reason: The Windows Registry is not passing the current folder path to the AI CLI tool correctly.
Solution:

1. Ensure you are right-clicking an empty area of the folder (not a file inside the folder)—this is required for the path to be passed correctly.
2. Run Option B to remove the context menu and re-run Option A to re-write the registry entries with the correct path parameters.

Q5: Icons display incorrectly (stale old icons or blank placeholders).

Reason: The Windows icon cache has not been refreshed and is loading outdated icon data.
Solution:
Run Option E (Deep Icon Refresh) to delete the system’s icon cache files and restart File Explorer—the tool will force Windows to rebuild the cache with the latest icons.

Q6: Nautilus scripts do not appear in the Linux context menu after generation.

Reason: Nautilus has not loaded the new scripts, or the scripts lack executable permissions.
Solution:

1. Restart Nautilus with nautilus -q and re-open the file manager to load the new scripts.
2. Grant executable permissions to the scripts with chmod +x ~/.local/share/nautilus/scripts/[script-name].sh.

Q7: NanoCode fails to launch after installation.

Reason: The Git clone process failed (e.g., network issues accessing GitHub), or the npm link command did not execute successfully.
Solution:

1. Check the logs in the Log Files folder for errors during the Git clone step (ensure you have a working internet connection to access GitHub).
2. Manually navigate to the /Tools/nanocode-2 directory and run npm link to create a global link for the tool.
3. Verify the installation by running nanocode in the terminal—if the command is recognized, the installation was successful.

9. Version Updates and Core Changes

AI CLI Manager’s version iterations focus on three key priorities: adding support for new AI CLI tools, optimizing system integration, and improving cross-platform compatibility. All updates maintain backward compatibility, so you can upgrade the tool without reconfiguring your existing setup. Below is a breakdown of the core changes in the major release versions.

v1.1.10 (February 6, 2026)

• New OpenAI Codex CLI Support: Full integration of @openai/codex, including one-click installation, launch, and Windows context menu integration.
• New /Shell Files Directory: Independent launch scripts for all supported AI tools on Linux/macOS, matching the functionality of the Windows /Batch Files directory for full cross-platform parity.
• Synchronized Context Menu Logic: The Codex CLI option is added to the context menu on all platforms, ensuring no feature gaps between Windows and Unix-based systems.

v1.1.8 (February 6, 2026)

• New Claude CLI Support: Full integration of @anthropic-ai/claude-code, with one-click installation and context menu launch.
• Redesigned Directory Structure: All Windows standalone launch scripts are moved to the dedicated /Batch Files directory for improved project organization and hygiene.
• Standardized Nomenclature: “GitHub Copilot” is rebranded to GitHub Copilot CLI to align with official package naming and branding guidelines.
• Optimized Terminal Handoff: Improved logic for launching tools in the terminal, reducing lag and error messages during the launch process.

v1.1.4 (January 29, 2026)

• New NanoCode CLI Support: Native compatibility for the Git+NPM Link installation method, with automatic cloning of source code to the /Tools directory.
• New Deep Icon Refresh Feature: Solves persistent Windows icon cache issues with a single click.
• Redesigned Menu Navigation: Alphabetical + numerical categorized navigation for faster, more intuitive operation.
• Enhanced Registry Backup: Automatically exports the full shell extension registry key for comprehensive system safety.

v1.1.0 (January 25, 2026)

• Initial Stable Release: Core support for GitHub Copilot CLI integration.
• Foundational Feature Launch: Windows context menu integration, tool installation/version checking, and detailed logging.
• Basic Cross-Platform Compatibility: Completion of the core script framework for Linux/macOS, with full feature parity planned for future releases.

10. Conclusion

AI CLI Manager’s core value is simplifying the management of multiple AI CLI tools. It does not introduce complex new concepts or force you to adopt proprietary workflows—instead, it encapsulates the repetitive, time-consuming tasks developers perform daily: installing tools, memorizing launch commands, navigating directories, and configuring system integrations—into an intuitive, safe, and cross-platform visual menu.

Whether you’re a developer who switches between dozens of AI coding assistants for different projects, a system administrator who needs to deploy AI tools across multiple machines quickly, or a power user who values a clean, organized development environment, AI CLI Manager reduces operational friction and lets you focus on what matters most: writing code with AI, not managing AI tools.

Built entirely with open, native scripts, the tool has no closed-source components, no ads, and no additional dependencies—aligning with open-source software principles of transparency and accessibility. It also ensures system safety with detailed logging and one-click backups, so you can modify your system with confidence.

If you’re tired of the endless manual work that comes with managing multiple AI CLI tools, AI CLI Manager is the solution you’ve been looking for. Experience a streamlined workflow with one-click management and right-click launch, and reclaim valuable development time by eliminating unnecessary friction from your daily work.

AI CLI Manager is released under the GNU General Public License v3, making it free to use, modify, and distribute for personal and commercial projects.