How to customize colors in the Common Zsh theme?

You can modify the theme file directly to change colors, as the README mentions support for custom schemes, but it requires editing the .zsh-theme file with hex codes or terminal color names.

Common vs Powerlevel10k: which is better for a minimal prompt?

Common is simpler and more focused on essential info with fewer features, while Powerlevel10k offers extensive customization and performance but can be more complex; choose based on your need for simplicity versus flexibility.

How do I add a timestamp to the Common prompt?

Since Common doesn't include time by default, you need to edit the theme file to add Zsh scripting for time display, which requires some technical knowledge and manual configuration.

Does Common work with iTerm2 on macOS?

Yes, Common is compatible with any terminal emulator that supports Zsh, including iTerm2, as demonstrated in the README's screenshot with Hyper terminal and custom themes.

Why isn't my git status showing in Common?

Ensure you're in a git repository and have git installed; if it still doesn't show, check your Zsh configuration or reinstall the theme via Oh My Zsh, as per the installation steps.

Can I use Common without Oh My Zsh?

Yes, you can manually download the theme file and source it in your .zshrc, but the README primarily documents integration with Oh My Zsh, Antigen, or Antibody, so manual setup might be less straightforward.

Open-Awesome

common

MITShell

A minimal, customizable Zsh prompt theme showing git status, working directory, hostname, and more.

GitHub

361 stars30 forks0 contributors

What is common?

Common is a Zsh prompt theme that provides a clean, minimal interface for terminal users. It displays essential information like git branch status, current working directory, hostname, and command exit codes while maintaining an uncluttered design. The theme solves the problem of overly complex or distracting terminal prompts by focusing on readability and essential context.

Target Audience

Developers and command-line users who work with Zsh and want a simple, informative prompt without visual noise. Particularly useful for those who frequently use git and need quick status updates.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Common for its balance of functionality and minimalism—it provides all necessary information without overwhelming the terminal. Its customizability and clean design make it a practical alternative to bulkier prompt themes.

Overview

A simple, clean and minimal prompt.

Use Cases

Best For

Creating a clean terminal workspace for daily development tasks
Quickly checking git status and branch information while coding
Working on remote servers where hostname visibility is important
Monitoring command success/failure with exit code display
Customizing terminal aesthetics with color schemes
Reducing visual clutter in development workflows

Not Ideal For

Users requiring detailed system stats like CPU usage, battery life, or time display in the prompt
Teams that need highly collaborative, feature-rich prompts with shared customization and plugins
Environments where Bash or other non-Zsh shells are the standard

Pros & Cons

Pros

Minimal Git Integration

Shows branch name and status indicators for clean, staged, and untracked files, as emphasized in the README's key features, keeping git workflows efficient.

Context-Aware Display

Automatically displays hostname on remote SSH shells and AWS Vault role, providing essential environment awareness without manual configuration.

Customizable Aesthetics

Supports custom color schemes to match terminal preferences, allowing personalization while maintaining a clean look, as noted in the README.

Command Feedback

Shows exit codes of the last command and background job indicators, helping users quickly diagnose issues, a key feature highlighted in the documentation.

Cons

Limited Feature Set

Lacks common prompt elements like time, battery status, or system monitoring, which might be necessary for power users or specific workflows.

Zsh Dependency

Requires Zsh and often frameworks like Oh My Zsh for easy setup, making it less portable and accessible for users of other shells.

Sparse Documentation

The README provides basic installation but lacks detailed configuration examples, troubleshooting guides, or advanced customization options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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