oclif/TypeScript

[cvarjao]

I am working on nrdk which is also a CLI. I would suggest taking a look into the Open CLI framework, and using TypeScript instead of vanilla Javascript. TypeScript will pay off later on when you need to refactor your code as the transpiling process provides a lot of extra checks.

[qqnluaq]

I was already considering re-writing the CLI in Deno (https://deno.land/), which would imply Typescript. Deno uses Typescript as its native runtime, so no transpiling necessary. Transpiling has always seemed to me to be something to avoid if possible.

[cvarjao]

We looked into Deno. It is very promising. But I've had issues when not all NPM dependencies can be found in their repositories (granted that it is improving). Also, because there is no dependency management, you HAVE to choose between remote dependencies and local("vendored") dependencies. the dependency managed itself quickly became cumbersome. Remote dependencies are problematic when using behind firewalls.
We decided to use oclif with bundled dependencies, it provides a relatively snappy startup (as it is is a single downloaded package ... instead of hundreds). I am still keeping my eye on Deno. But for now, I've decided not to use it.