research: shell history tools (Atuin vs McFly)

[tctibbs]

Investigate modern shell history tools to replace/enhance default zsh history.

Atuin

• https://github.com/atuinsh/atuin
• Stores history in SQLite with end-to-end encrypted cloud sync
• Records context: working directory, exit code, duration, hostname
• Full-screen TUI for searching
• Filter by session, directory, or globally
• Atuin Desktop (2025) adds executable runbooks for teams

McFly

• https://github.com/cantino/mcfly
• Uses neural networks to rank history based on context
• Tracks exit status and command sequences
• Context-aware suggestions

Current Setup

• Default zsh history with zsh-history-substring-search

Tasks

• Install and test Atuin
• Install and test McFly
• Compare UX and features
• Evaluate sync feature (Atuin)
• Decide: Atuin, McFly, or keep current