ChromaDB CLI
FreeManage vector databases directly from the command line.
Free · Opens the source repo
What ChromaDB CLI does
The ChromaDB CLI is a stateless command-line interface designed for interacting with ChromaDB, a vector database. This tool is built on the HTTP API v2 and allows users to efficiently manage collections, documents, and perform semantic searches without relying on a graphical user interface. It is particularly useful for developers and AI agents who need to automate database interactions or manage large datasets programmatically.
With this CLI, users can execute a variety of commands to monitor server health, manage collections, and conduct semantic searches. The interactive REPL mode enhances usability, allowing users to enter commands directly with tab completion and command history. The CLI supports both human-readable output and machine-readable JSON formats, making it versatile for different use cases, including automation and integration with other tools.
To get started, users need Python 3.10 or higher and a running ChromaDB server. Installation is straightforward via pip, and the CLI commands are structured to facilitate easy management of vector data. Users can create, delete, and retrieve collections and documents, as well as perform semantic searches to find relevant information quickly.
This CLI is ideal for power users and developers who require a robust tool for managing vector databases programmatically. Its focus on automation and command-line efficiency makes it a valuable addition to any developer's toolkit, especially for those working with AI applications that leverage ChromaDB.
When to use it
Use this CLI when you need to manage ChromaDB collections and documents or run semantic queries in a programmatic way.
When not to use it
This CLI is not suitable for users who prefer graphical interfaces or those who do not have ChromaDB set up.
What you can build with it
Automating Data Management
Use the ChromaDB CLI to automate the process of adding, deleting, or retrieving documents from your vector database.
Performing Semantic Searches
Quickly conduct semantic searches against your collections to find relevant documents based on specific queries.
Monitoring Server Health
Regularly check the health of your ChromaDB server using the CLI to ensure it is running smoothly.
How to install ChromaDB CLI
View source1. Install with the skills CLI
npx skills add hkuds/cli-anything/skills --agent claude-code2. Or install it manually
Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.
Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs
Inside SKILL.md
Written by hkudscli-anything-chromadb
A stateless command-line interface for ChromaDB vector database, built on the HTTP API v2. Designed for AI agents and power users who need to manage collections, documents, and run semantic queries without a browser UI.
Installation
This CLI is installed as part of the cli-anything-chromadb package:
pip install cli-anything-chromadb
Prerequisites:
- Python 3.10+
- ChromaDB server running at localhost:8000 (or specify via --host)
Usage
Basic Commands
# Show help
cli-anything-chromadb --help
# Start interactive REPL mode
cli-anything-chromadb
# Check server health
cli-anything-chromadb --json server heartbeat
# List all collections
cli-anything-chromadb --json collection list
# Semantic search
cli-anything-chromadb --json query search --collection hub_knowledge --text "How to deploy"
REPL Mode
When invoked without a subcommand, the CLI enters an interactive REPL session:
cli-anything-chromadb
# Enter commands interactively with tab-completion and history
Command Groups
server
Server health and version commands.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
heartbeat | Check ChromaDB server health |
version | Get ChromaDB server version |
collection
Manage ChromaDB collections.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
list | List all collections |
create --name NAME | Create a new collection |
delete --name NAME | Delete a collection |
info NAME | Get collection info |
document
Manage documents in collections.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
add --collection C --id ID --document TEXT | Add document(s) |
get --collection C | Get documents |
delete --collection C --id ID | Delete document(s) |
count --collection C | Count documents |
query
Semantic search against collections.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
search --collection C --text T | Semantic search |
Output Formats
All commands support dual output modes:
- Human-readable (default): Tables, colors, formatted text
- Machine-readable (
--jsonflag): Structured JSON for agent consumption
# Human output
cli-anything-chromadb server heartbeat
# JSON output for agents
cli-anything-chromadb --json server heartbeat
For AI Agents
When using this CLI programmatically:
- Always use
--jsonflag for parseable output - Check return codes - 0 for success, non-zero for errors
- Parse stderr for error messages on failure
- Use
--hostto connect to non-default ChromaDB instances
Version
1.0.0
Frequently asked questions about ChromaDB CLI
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