llms.txt

# Anchore binny

Manage a directory of binaries without a package manager.

## Project Overview

binny is a CLI tool that helps manage binary dependencies for projects without relying on traditional package managers. It allows you to:

- Install and manage binary tools from various sources (GitHub releases, Go modules, shell scripts)
- Pin specific versions with constraint support
- Keep all your binary dependencies configured in a single YAML file
- Update to latest versions within constraints
- Check for missing or inconsistent installations

## Architecture

The project is structured as a Go CLI application with the following key components:

- **CLI Interface** (`cmd/binny/`): Main command-line interface with subcommands (install, check, update, list, add, run)
- **Tool Management** (`tool/`): Core logic for different installation methods:
  - `githubrelease/`: Install from GitHub releases
  - `goinstall/`: Install via `go install`
  - `hostedshell/`: Install via hosted shell scripts
- **Storage** (`store.go`): Manages installed binary storage and metadata
- **Configuration**: YAML-based configuration in `.binny.yaml` files
- **Event System** (`event/`): Internal event handling for UI updates

## Key Files

- `cmd/binny/main.go`: Entry point
- `store.go`: Binary storage management
- `tool/`: Installation method implementations
- `cmd/binny/cli/command/`: CLI command implementations

## Installation Methods

1. **github-release**: Downloads binaries from GitHub releases
2. **go-install**: Uses `go install` to build and install Go tools
3. **hosted-shell**: Executes installation shell scripts from URLs

## Version Resolution

Supports multiple strategies for determining available versions:
- GitHub releases API
- Go module proxy
- Git repository tags
- Direct version specification

The tool is designed to be simple, reliable, and focused on binary dependency management for development workflows.