Aterna-CLI

Aterna is a terminal-native AI chat interface that brings the power of LLMs (like Groq or OpenAI) directly into your command line. No browser, no distractions — just intelligent assistance in a sleek TUI.

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Features

• Chat with AI models directly in your terminal
• Supports multiple AI model backends (e.g., Groq, OpenAI, etc.)
• Toggle between Normal and Escape modes (for model switching, clearing input, etc.)
• Lightweight, async, and built with ratatui
• API key loaded from .env or environment securely

Quickstart

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/soamn/aterna.git
cd aterna

• copy .env

 cp env.example .env
 API_KEY= your_api_key_from_groq

groq

2. Build and run

cargo build
cargo run

4. Usage

   Type a prompt and press Enter to send it to the current model.

   Press Esc to enter escape mode.

    Press m to change models
   
    Press c to clear input
   
    Press r to reset response
   
    Press q to quit
   

How It Works

flowchart TD
    A[User Input in Terminal] --> B["App run()"]
    B --> C[Main Loop: Poll Events]
    C --> D{App State}
    
    D -->|Active| E[User types message]
    E --> F[Send to LLM API]
    F --> G[Receive Response]
    G --> H[Display in UI]

    D -->|Escape| I[Special Commands]
    I --> J{Key Pressed}
    J -->|m| K[Model Selector]
    J -->|q| L[Quit App]
    J -->|c| M[Clear Input]
    J -->|r| N[Reset Response]

    K --> O[User Selects Model]
    O --> P[Switch Active Model]

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