How to set up Slackadaisical on a remote server via SSH?

Install Node.js and npm on the server, then run `npm install -g slackadaisical`. Store your Slack legacy token in `~/.slack_token` on the server, and start it with `slackadaisical`. Ensure the terminal supports mouse events if needed, but it works in headless environments.

Slackadaisical vs slack-term: which is better for daily CLI use?

Slackadaisical is simpler and more lightweight, focusing on basic chat with keyboard shortcuts, while slack-term may offer more features and polish. Choose Slackadaisical for minimal setup and quick access, but slack-term if you need richer functionality.

Can I use Slack's new app tokens instead of legacy tokens?

No, Slackadaisical currently requires a legacy token from Slack's custom integrations page, as per the Configuration section. New app tokens aren't supported due to the project's simple implementation and lack of updates.

How to customize keyboard shortcuts in Slackadaisical?

Shortcuts are hardcoded and not customizable via configuration; you'd need to modify the source code directly. However, with no documentation on the code structure, this can be challenging for non-developers.

Is Slackadaisical safe to use with my Slack token?

It stores the token in plain text at `~/.slack_token`, which is a security risk if the file isn't properly protected. Use it cautiously and ensure file permissions are set to read-only for your user account.

Does Slackadaisical support multiple Slack workspaces?

The setup only involves a single token, so it likely supports one workspace at a time. The README doesn't mention workspace switching, indicating limited multi-account functionality.

Open-Awesome

Slackadaisical

GPL-3.0JavaScript

A simple command-line interface for Slack, designed for terminal enthusiasts who want to chat without leaving their CLI.

GitHub

277 stars13 forks0 contributors

What is Slackadaisical?

Slackadaisical is a command-line Slack chat client that allows users to interact with Slack directly from their terminal. It solves the problem of context-switching for developers and terminal enthusiasts who want to stay connected to Slack without leaving their CLI workflow.

Target Audience

Developers, sysadmins, and power users who live in terminals like tmux and prefer keyboard-driven interfaces over graphical apps.

Value Proposition

It offers a minimal, distraction-free way to use Slack from the command line, with quick keyboard navigation and no GUI overhead, making it ideal for terminal-centric workflows.

Overview

Command line Slack chat client.

Use Cases

Best For

Using Slack within tmux or terminal multiplexers
Reducing context switches while coding in the CLI
Lightweight Slack access on remote servers via SSH
Keyboard-driven chat for efficiency enthusiasts
Weekend projects exploring Slack's API
Minimalist setups that avoid GUI applications

Not Ideal For

Large teams with over 50 channels requiring accurate most-recently-used ordering due to Slack API rate limits
Production environments needing a stable, fully-featured Slack client with file sharing, threading, and integrations
Developers seeking a well-documented, tested codebase for extensibility or custom integrations

Pros & Cons

Pros

Keyboard Navigation

Offers efficient shortcuts like Ctrl-l for channels and Ctrl-o for composing messages, enabling rapid chat interaction without mouse use, as detailed in the Usage section.

Terminal Integration

Designed for CLI environments like tmux, it runs entirely in the terminal, reducing context switches for developers who prefer keyboard-driven workflows, per the Philosophy.

Simple Configuration

Setup is minimal with just a Slack legacy token stored in a file, requiring no complex installation or options, making it quick to deploy for personal use.

Mouse Support

Supports clicking and scrolling in terminals that handle mouse events, adding flexibility for users who occasionally prefer graphical interactions, as mentioned in the Key Features.

Cons

Limited Feature Set

Lacks advanced Slack functionalities like file uploads, emoji reactions, and threaded conversations, as it's built as a basic chat client without frills.

Poor Documentation and Testing

The README admits no documentation, unit tests, or logging, making it difficult to debug, extend, or ensure reliability for contributors or users.

Channel Ordering Issues

Due to Slack's API rate limits, channels are unordered and don't reflect most-recently-used order, degrading usability in active teams, as explained in Known Issues.

Open Source Alternative To

Slackadaisical is an open-source alternative to the following products:

Slack

Slack is a cloud-based team collaboration platform that organizes communication into channels, integrating with various tools and services.

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