explaingit

versenilvis/iris

Analysis updated 2026-08-13

1,217GoAudience · developerComplexity · 2/5LicenseSetup · easy

TLDR

A single-binary terminal tool that suggests commands as you type, like a code editor's autocomplete, built as an open-source alternative to Fig.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((IRIS))
    What it does
      Inline autocomplete
      History aware
      AI suggestions
    Tech stack
      Go
      TTY
    Use cases
      Replace Fig
      SSH sessions
      Tmux support
    Audience
      Developers
      Terminal users

Code map

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filefunction / class

What do people build with it?

USE CASE 1

Get real-time command suggestions based on your shell history and aliases.

USE CASE 2

Replace Fig with an open-source, telemetry-free alternative that works over SSH.

USE CASE 3

Use inline AI-powered suggestions without leaving the terminal.

USE CASE 4

Work consistently inside tmux sessions and Linux virtual terminals.

What is it built with?

GoTTY

How does it compare?

versenilvis/irisnianzhibai/91magicrew/doc7
Stars1,2171,1991,095
LanguageGoGoGo
Last pushed2026-07-03
MaintenanceMaintained
Setup difficultyeasymoderatemoderate
Complexity2/53/53/5
Audiencedevelopergeneraldeveloper

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you get it running?

Difficulty · easy Time to first run · 30min

Windows is not supported, install via a package manager or build from source with Go 1.24+.

Very permissive: use, modify, and distribute for any purpose, including commercial use, with no attribution required.

In plain English

IRIS is a command line tool that suggests commands as you type in your terminal, similar to how a code editor autocompletes text while you write. It reads your shell history and existing aliases so its suggestions match commands you already use, and it can also offer AI powered suggestions using either an API key or a local model. Everything runs inline inside your actual terminal session rather than in a separate app window, so it does not interfere with full screen terminal programs or break existing formatting. The project describes itself as a replacement for Fig, a similar tool that shut down in September 2024 and pushed its users toward Amazon Q Developer, a cloud based, account required alternative. IRIS is built instead as a single native program written in Go that talks directly to the terminal, so it works on both Linux and macOS, supports remote sessions over SSH, and functions inside tmux and Linux virtual terminals. There is no graphical interface, no Electron framework, no account sign in, and no telemetry collection. Compared to shell specific plugins for tools like Zsh or Fish, IRIS avoids adding startup time to your shell and does not need a plugin manager, since it is a single binary you install once. Configuration changes take effect immediately without needing to restart the shell. Installation is available through several package managers depending on your system, including the Arch User Repository, Homebrew on macOS and Linux, Nix Flakes, and prebuilt Debian and Fedora packages, or by building it yourself if you have Go 1.24 or newer installed. Windows is not currently supported. This tool is best suited for developers and anyone who spends significant time working in a terminal, whether on their own machine or connecting to remote servers, and who wants faster, smarter command suggestions without adopting a heavier GUI based tool or giving up control over their setup.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
Show me how to install IRIS on Arch Linux using an AUR helper.
Prompt 2
Help me set up IRIS to use AI suggestions with my own API key.
Prompt 3
Explain how IRIS differs from Fig and Amazon Q Developer.
Prompt 4
Walk me through configuring IRIS for use inside tmux.

Frequently asked questions

What is iris?

A single-binary terminal tool that suggests commands as you type, like a code editor's autocomplete, built as an open-source alternative to Fig.

What language is iris written in?

Mainly Go. The stack also includes Go, TTY.

What license does iris use?

Very permissive: use, modify, and distribute for any purpose, including commercial use, with no attribution required.

How hard is iris to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated easy, with roughly 30min to a first successful run.

Who is iris for?

Mainly developer.

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