Run readline from ChatGPT or Claude
Library for command-line editing. With BCD, ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps can install and run readline on your own computer and read what it prints.
Works on
- MacWorks
Homebrew has a ready-made build; the AI can install it with
brew install readline. - LinuxWorks
Homebrew on Linux has a ready-made build.
- WindowsNot in Homebrew
Homebrew does not run on Windows. If readline has a Windows build, BCD can run it in PowerShell.
About readline
- Version
- 8.3.6
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Installs (last 365 days)
- 44,085 · #324 in Homebrew
- Install
brew install readline
Try asking
“Install readline with Homebrew and show me its version”
“Read readline --help and give me three useful examples for my files”
“Update readline and tell me what changed”
Used by
pyenv · gnupg · bash · libpq · postgresql@16 · postgresql@18 · postgresql@17 · sqlite · ruby-build · libxml2 · postgresql@15 · guile
Questions
Can ChatGPT run readline on my computer?
Yes. With BCD on your Mac or Linux computer and command permission turned on for it, ChatGPT runs readline there and reads the output. Claude and other apps with MCP connectors can too.
Do I need to install readline first?
No. If Homebrew is installed, the AI can run brew install readline for you.
Is it safe?
A new computer starts read-only: running commands is turned on per computer, and BCD reaches only the folders you allow.
Try it on your computer
BCD connects ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps to your own Mac, Windows or Linux computer. One computer is free, with 20,000 tool calls a month and no card.
Program data from Homebrew, updated 2026-11-11. Installs are Homebrew's installs on request over the last 365 days.