Mini Coder

What is mini-coder

mini-coder is a command-line interface (CLI) tool developed by laiso, designed to assist with coding tasks. Powered by Claude 3, mini-coder leverages the capabilities of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to connect and interact with various data sources, making it an intelligent assistant for developers. It's particularly useful for tasks like refactoring code, implementing design patterns, and automating repetitive coding chores. By using mini-coder, developers can streamline their workflows, reduce errors, and focus on more creative aspects of software development.

How to Use mini-coder

To get started with mini-coder, ensure you have Node.js 18 or higher and an Anthropic API key. Follow these steps for installation and use:

1. Installation:

   • Clone the mini-coder repository to your local machine.
   • Navigate to the repository directory and install the necessary dependencies by running:

     npm install
     

2. Set Up Your Environment:

   • Set your Anthropic API key with the following command:

     export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your-api-key
     

3. Run the CLI:

   • After building the project, run the CLI tool using:

     npm run build
     node dist/cli.js [options]
     

   • Alternatively, you can execute it directly:

     ./bin/mini-coder
     

4. Using Options:

   • Specify the project root directory with -p, --path <directory>.
   • Provide the path to an instruction file using -i, --instruction <file>.
   • You can also specify an entry point file using -e, --entry <file>.

5. Example Usage:

   • Create an instruction file, e.g., task.txt:

     Please refactor the User class in src/models/user.ts to use TypeScript interfaces
     

   • Run the tool with the specified options:

     node dist/cli.js -p ./my-project -i task.txt -e src/models/user.ts
     

Key Features of mini-coder

• AI-Powered Assistance: Utilizes Claude 3 to intelligently comprehend and perform coding tasks.
• Flexible CLI Options: Allows specification of project directories, instruction files, and entry points to tailor the tool's operation to your needs.
• MCP Integration: Implements the Model Context Protocol to securely access and manipulate data sources, enhancing the AI's contextual understanding.
• Validation Processes: Ensures directories and files are valid before proceeding with operations, preventing execution errors.
• Automated File System Configuration: Automatically sets up an MCP filesystem server to provide seamless access and manipulation of project files.
• Error Handling: Provides clear error messages and exits gracefully if any validation checks fail, assisting users in troubleshooting.

mini-coder is an invaluable tool for developers looking to enhance their productivity and coding efficiency. By integrating AI technology with robust CLI features, it offers a sophisticated yet user-friendly experience.