cli-demo-generator_skill

Overview

This skill generates professional animated CLI demos, terminal recordings, and command-line GIFs. It supports automated demo creation from command lists, batch generation from config files, interactive recording, and manual tape-file editing for precise control.

How this skill works

Use the automated script to convert one or more commands into a timed terminal demo with sensible defaults for timing, sizing, and themes. For many demos, run the auto_generate_demo.py script with -c for each command and -o for the output. Batch mode reads YAML/JSON definitions to produce multiple consistent demos. Interactive recording captures live sessions via asciinema and converts them to GIF/MP4 using VHS. Advanced users can edit VHS tape templates directly for frame-level control.

When to use it

• You need a quick animated GIF showing how to install or run a package.
• You want to convert a recorded terminal session into a shareable demo.
• You need to produce a series of consistent demos for docs or tutorials.
• You want interactive recording to capture real command output and user input.
• You require precise timing, layout, or theme control by editing VHS tape files.

Best practices

• Prefer automated generation for 1–3 command demos for speed and good defaults.
• Use batch generation to maintain consistent settings across many demos.
• Keep demo durations between 15–30 seconds; split complex workflows into a series.
• Choose size and font for target audience (standard: 1400x700, increase font for readability).
• Use themes with strong contrast for documentation and high-contrast for presentations.
• Reduce sleep times and output resolution to lower final file size, or choose MP4/WebM for long demos.

Example use cases

• Quickly create a package install demo: auto_generate_demo.py -c "npm install my-package" -o install.gif
• Batch-generate feature demos from a YAML file for product docs and tutorials.
• Record a live debugging session via record_interactive.sh and convert to GIF for team review.
• Create a typing-effect walkthrough by editing an interactive.tape template then running VHS.
• Produce MP4 versions for long demos to reduce file size and preserve quality.