import

The import command is the counterpart to export. It allows you to add commands and completions to your library from an external source, such as a file, an HTTP endpoint, or a GitHub Gist. This is the primary way to restore backups or onboard commands shared by others.

When importing, IntelliShell merges the incoming commands and completions with your existing library. If a command with the exact same command string or a completion for the same variable already exists, it is skipped to prevent duplicates.

Usage

intelli-shell import [OPTIONS] [LOCATION]

Arguments

• LOCATION Specifies the source of the commands to import.

  This can be a file path, an HTTP(S) URL, or a GitHub Gist ID/URL. If omitted or set to -, IntelliShell reads from standard input (stdin), allowing you to pipe data into it.

Options

• --file, --http, --gist

  Forces IntelliShell to treat the LOCATION as a specific type, which is useful if the location string is ambiguous (e.g., a numeric Gist ID).

• --filter <REGEX>

  Imports only the commands from the source whose content or description matches the provided regular expression.

• -t, --add-tag <TAG>

  Appends one or more hashtags to the description of every imported command. This is a convenient way to categorize a new set of commands and can be specified multiple times.

• --dry-run

  Performs a "trial run" of the import. Commands are parsed and displayed but are not saved to your library, which is useful for inspecting a source before committing.

• --ai

  Uses AI to parse and extract command templates from unstructured text sources like web pages or shell history.

• --history <SHELL>

  Imports shell history (bash, zsh, fish, nushell, powershell or atuin). This option requires the --ai flag.

• -i, --interactive

  Opens an interactive TUI to review, edit, and select commands before importing. You can use Space / Ctrl+Space to discard or include highlighted / all commands.

• -X, --request <METHOD>

  Specifies the HTTP method to use for an HTTP(S) LOCATION (default: GET).

• -H, --header <KEY: VALUE>

  Adds a custom HTTP header to the request for an HTTP(S) LOCATION. This can be specified multiple times.

Examples

Import from a Local File

Restore your library from a local backup file.

intelli-shell import my_commands.bak

Import from a Public Gist

Onboard a set of shared commands and completions from a teammate or the community.

intelli-shell import https://gist.github.com/lasantosr/137846d029efcc59468ff2c9d2098b4f

Preview Before Importing

Use --dry-run to safely inspect the contents of a remote file without modifying your library.

intelli-shell import --dry-run https://config.my-company.com/shared-commands

Convert Shell History into Bookmarks with AI

This is a powerful way to convert your most-used historical commands into a permanent, searchable library. The -i flag is highly recommended to curate the results.

intelli-shell import -i --ai --history bash

Extract Commands from a Web Page with AI

Turn any online cheatsheet or tutorial into a source of ready-to-use command templates. The AI will parse the page and extract commands for you to review and import.

intelli-shell import -i --ai https://www.example.com/cheatsheet