Question 1

How do I add shell autocomplete to my Cobra CLI app?

Accepted Answer

Cobra automatically generates shell completion scripts. Use methods like `cmd.GenBashCompletion()` or the built-in commands, then instruct users to source the script in their shell profile for seamless autocomplete.

Question 2

Cobra vs urfave/cli: which is better for Go CLI tools?

Accepted Answer

Cobra excels for complex applications with nested subcommands and automatic docs, while urfave/cli is simpler and lighter for straightforward CLIs. Choose based on feature needs and project scale.

Question 3

How to integrate Viper with Cobra for configuration?

Accepted Answer

Bind Cobra flags to Viper using `viper.BindPFlags()`. This allows configuration from files, env vars, and flags, as highlighted in the README for building 12-factor apps.

Question 4

Does Cobra support global or nested flags?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cobra supports global, local, and cascading flags. Global flags are available across commands, while local flags are command-specific, enabling flexible CLI designs.

Question 5

What's the best way to structure a large Cobra application?

Accepted Answer

Use the cobra-cli generator to bootstrap the project. Organize commands into separate files, group subcommands logically, and follow the `APPNAME VERB NOUN` pattern for clarity.

Question 6

How to handle errors and validation in Cobra commands?

Accepted Answer

Implement validation in the command's `RunE` function, which returns an error. Cobra will handle it gracefully, and you can customize error messages using the command's fields.

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