Zsh Readline
A Zsh plugin that replicates PowerShell's PSReadline ListView prediction functionality, bringing intelligent command prediction and completion to the Zsh shell.
Overview
Coming from PowerShell, I was accustomed to PSReadline's ListView prediction mode, which shows command predictions in a dropdown-like interface. When switching to Zsh for Linux/macOS work, I missed this functionality. While Zsh has excellent completion systems, it lacked the visual prediction interface that PowerShell provides.
Zsh Readline brings this functionality to Zsh, providing an intuitive way to see command predictions and navigate through them using familiar keyboard shortcuts.
The Problem
Zsh's default completion system is powerful but operates differently from PowerShell's prediction. I initially tried zsh/auto-suggestions but the predictions appear inline, not in a separate visual interface. Afterward, I tried to get zsh/auto-complete to behave in the exact way I wanted it to but it was not intended for that thus it had quite some quirks for my specific use-case.
Users familiar with PowerShell's prediction experience found Zsh's approach less intuitive, especially when learning new commands or exploring available options.
The Solution
Zsh Readline implements a ListView-style prediction interface for Zsh that:
- Shows predictions in a dropdown-style list
- Allows navigation with arrow keys
- Accepts predictions with Enter or Right arrow
- Integrates with Zsh's existing completion system
- Provides visual feedback similar to PowerShell
The plugin hooks into Zsh's completion and prediction systems to create a familiar interface for users transitioning from PowerShell or those who prefer visual command prediction.
Key Features
- ListView Prediction Mode: Dropdown-style command predictions similar to PowerShell
- Keyboard Navigation: Arrow keys to navigate, Enter/Right arrow to accept
- Zsh Integration: Works with existing Zsh completion and prediction systems
- Visual Feedback: Clear indication of selected prediction
- Configurable: Customize appearance and behavior to match your preferences
Getting Started
Installation
Zsh Readline can be installed using popular Zsh plugin managers. All the options can be found here
I recommend using zi. Simply add zi light michielvha/zsh-readline to your .zshrc.
Usage
Once installed, Zsh Readline activates automatically. When you start typing a command:
- Type the beginning of a command
- Predictions appear in a dropdown-style list
- Use arrow keys (↑/↓) to navigate predictions
- Press Enter or Right arrow (→) to accept the selected prediction
- Press Escape to cancel and return to your typed input
Configuration
The custom plugin can be configured in various ways. You can find all the options here
Why It Matters
Shell productivity is heavily influenced by the interface and feedback mechanisms. Users coming from PowerShell ReadLine are accustomed to visual prediction interfaces, and providing similar functionality in Zsh reduces the learning curve and improves the transition experience.
More importantly, visual command prediction helps users discover available commands and options, making the shell more approachable for beginners while remaining efficient for experienced users.