Brut

What is Brut?

Brut is a single-file POSIX shell script that serves as a front-end router for Unix command-line programs. It dispatches execution to subcommands based on its filename and the first argument passed, following a routing style popularized by Git. The script acts as the main entry point for applications built using the Brutal Unix methodology.

It helps developers break monolithic shell scripts into smaller, independently testable executables and shared library files arranged in a standard directory layout. This modular approach avoids the maintenance limits of large single-file scripts and eliminates the need for external language runtimes or compiled binaries. Each command runs as a separate process with its own arguments, standard I/O streams, and exit status.

The core router operates in approximately 120 lines of shell. It sets up environment variables, extends the PATH, and locates command-specific executables. Built-in capabilities include shared script loading, error handling, routing hooks, extensibility, and support for grouping commands into namespaces. Brut requires only basic POSIX.1-2024 utilities and runs on any modern Unix system.

Brut features

• Single-file POSIX shell script implementation
• Routes commands based on filename and first argument
• Breaks large scripts into small, testable executables
• Standard directory layout for lib, libexec, and share folders
• No external runtime dependencies required
• Built-in error handling and routing hooks
• Supports command grouping into namespaces

Who uses Brut and for what

• Building portable CLI tools that run across Linux, macOS, and BSD without extra dependencies
• Replacing monolithic shell scripts with modular command structures
• Bootstrapping custom build systems for software projects
• Managing infrastructure tasks with reusable shell functions
• Creating framework-style CLIs similar to Git or Docker

Brut FAQ

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