How does useInput differ from standard React events?

Unlike web-based event listeners, useInput is a specialized Ink hook that captures terminal-specific keyboard input, including special keys like arrow keys, return, and escape sequences.

How do I handle asynchronous data in an Ink CLI?

This skill provides patterns for async state management and custom hooks that handle loading states, error catching, and mount-safety for terminal-based data operations.

What is Ink and why use hooks with it?

Ink is a library that lets you use React to build command-line interfaces. Using hooks like useState and useEffect allows you to manage the dynamic state of your terminal UI just as you would a web application.

Can I manage terminal focus with this skill?

Yes, this skill includes patterns for useFocus and useFocusManager, allowing you to create interactive, keyboard-navigable components within your terminal application.

Ink Hooks & State Management

Name: Ink Hooks & State Management
Author: TheBushidoCollective

byTheBushidoCollective

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Design Tools

Manages terminal UI state and side effects using React hooks within the Ink framework architecture.

About

This skill empowers Claude to build sophisticated command-line interfaces by leveraging the Ink framework's React-based architecture. It provides expert guidance on implementing local state, handling asynchronous operations, managing keyboard input, and controlling terminal-specific features like stdout and focus management. By following established patterns for custom hooks and promise-based flows, it ensures terminal applications are robust, responsive, and free from common memory leaks or re-render issues typical of CLI environments.

Key Features

Structured focus management for complex interactive CLI menus and forms
Advanced state management patterns for asynchronous CLI data fetching and processing
72 GitHub stars
Expert handling of terminal dimensions and responsive layouts via useStdout
Best practices for hook cleanup and preventing memory leaks in long-running processes
Implementation of specialized Ink hooks like useInput and useApp for terminal control

Use Cases

Managing complex data-fetching states within a terminal-based dashboard or monitor
Creating keyboard-driven navigation systems for command-line utilities and installers
Building interactive CLI tools with real-time progress indicators and dynamic menus

About

Key Features

Structured focus management for complex interactive CLI menus and forms
Advanced state management patterns for asynchronous CLI data fetching and processing
72 GitHub stars
Expert handling of terminal dimensions and responsive layouts via useStdout
Best practices for hook cleanup and preventing memory leaks in long-running processes
Implementation of specialized Ink hooks like useInput and useApp for terminal control

Use Cases

Managing complex data-fetching states within a terminal-based dashboard or monitor
Creating keyboard-driven navigation systems for command-line utilities and installers
Building interactive CLI tools with real-time progress indicators and dynamic menus