Claude Bell
Send macOS notifications to communicate with users outside the terminal.
When to Use
Use for:
- Task completion (build done, tests passed, deploy finished)
- Errors requiring attention
- Confirmation before destructive operations
- Collecting text input (release notes, commit messages)
- Status updates during long operations
Don't use for:
- Routine progress updates (use terminal)
- Information user is actively watching
- Rapid-fire notifications (spam)
Quick Reference
| Pattern | Command |
|---|---|
| Alert | cb -t "Done" -m "Build complete" |
| Alert with sound | cb -t "Done" -m "Build complete" --sound Glass |
| Yes/No | cb -t "Deploy?" -a "Yes,No" --default "No" |
| Multiple choice | cb -t "Action" -a "A,B,C,Cancel" --default "Cancel" |
| Text input | cb -t "Notes" -r "Enter notes..." --timeout 5m |
| Template | cb --template build-done --var 'project:myapp' |
Exit Codes
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Success | Proceed with returned value |
| 1 | Timeout | Use --default value |
| 2 | Dismissed | Use --default value |
| 3 | User error | Check arguments |
| 4 | System error | Check permissions (cb doctor) |
| 5 | App error | Report bug |
Critical Rules
- Always provide
--defaultfor interactive notifications - Always check exit code - don't assume success
- Use
--timeoutfor non-critical prompts - Don't spam - one notification per logical event
References
references/cli.md- Full CLI documentationreferences/examples.md- Workflow patternsreferences/setup.md- Installation & setup (read only when user requests setup)references/troubleshooting.md- Diagnosing issues