---
name: x-env
description: |
x-env is x-cmd's environment and package management module for installing and managing third-party software, programming language runtimes, and command-line tools. Use this skill when: installing or managing runtimes (node, python, go, bun, java, rust); installing CLI tools (jq, yq, fzf, himalaya, claude-code); managing multiple software versions (specify versions, switch versions); cleaning up unused packages; viewing installed software paths or dependencies; asking how to install software; temporarily using software in current shell session (try); permanently installing software to user environment (use); upgrading installed software versions; running scripts with specific software versions. This is the core package manager in x-cmd ecosystem.
license: Apache-2.0
compatibility: POSIX Shell (sh/bash/zsh/dash/ash)
metadata:
author: X-CMD
version: "1.0.0"
category: core
tags: [shell, cli, tools, package-manager, env, runtime]
repository: https://github.com/x-bash/env
install_doc: data/install.md
display_name: Environment & Package Manager
---
# x env - Environment & Package Manager
## Prerequisites
1. Load x-cmd before use:
```bash
. ~/.x-cmd.root/X
```
2. x-cmd not installed? → [data/install.md](data/install.md)
## Core Concepts
- **try**: Temporarily use software in current shell session (only valid for current terminal)
- **use**: Permanently install software to user environment (persists after terminal restart)
- **untry**: Cancel temporarily tried software in current session
- **unuse**: Remove installed software from user environment
- **upgrade**: Upgrade installed software versions
## Core Functions
- **List available versions**: `x env la <pkg>`
- **List installed packages**: `x env ls`, `x env ll`
- **Temporary use (try)**: `x env try <pkg>[=<version>]`
- **Permanent install (use)**: `x env use <pkg>[=<version>]`
- **Remove package**: `x env unuse <pkg>`
- **Upgrade package**: `x env upgrade <pkg>`
- **Cleanup packages**: `x env gc <pkg>`
- **Find command path**: `x env which <cmd>`
- **Check dependencies**: `x env depend <pkg>`
## Usage Examples
### Install packages
```bash
x env use node # Install default version of node
x env use python # Install default version of python
x env use go=v1.21.0 # Install specific version
x env use node python go # Install multiple packages
```
### Temporary use (current shell session only)
```bash
x env try node # Use default node in current session
x env try bun go=v1.17.13 # Use multiple packages with versions
x env untry node # Cancel temporary use
```
### Version management
```bash
x env use --upgrade --all # Upgrade all installed packages
x env use --upgrade jq yq # Upgrade specific packages
x env upgrade node python # Upgrade packages (shorthand)
```
### List and search
```bash
x env la node # List all available node versions
x env ls # List packages in use
x env ll # List all installed packages
x env which node # Show node installation path
```
### Cleanup
```bash
x env gc jq yq # Remove specified packages and orphans
```
## Common Scenarios
- **Install node**: `x env use node`
- **Install python**: `x env use python`
- **Install go**: `x env use go`
- **Install jq**: `x env use jq`
- **Install specific version**: `x env use node=v18.12.0`
- **Temporary try**: `x env try node`
- **Upgrade all**: `x env upgrade --all`
- **Find path**: `x env which node`
## Get Help
Run `x env --help` for full help documentation.
