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---
title: Shell Commands
description: Prefix a Discord message with ! to run a shell command directly in the project directory.
icon: lucide:square-chevron-right
---

Prefix any Discord message with **`!`** to run it as a shell command in the project directory, no AI session involved. It's the fastest way to peek at state, run a quick script, or check git status.

## Using the `!` prefix

```diagram
  "!git status" ──▶ strips "!" ──▶ runs in dir ──▶ output in code block
```

Type a message starting with `!`. Kimaki strips the `!`, runs the rest as a shell command, posts a `Running ...` placeholder, then edits it with the result:

```
!ls -la
```

The reply shows the command, its exit code, and the output in a code block (truncated if very long).

## Where it runs

* **In a thread** with a [worktree](/docs/worktrees) that is ready, the command runs in the **worktree directory**.
* **Otherwise** it runs in the channel's **project directory**.

This means `!` commands always run in the same place the agent is working.

<Aside>
  <Note>
    While a worktree is still being created, `!` commands are skipped so they don't accidentally run in the base directory.
  </Note>
</Aside>

## The slash command equivalent

`/run-shell-command <command>` does exactly the same thing as the `!` prefix. The `!` prefix is just a shortcut.

## What it's good for

* **`!git status`**, **`!git log --oneline -5`** — quick git checks.
* **`!ls`**, **`!cat package.json`** — inspect files without spending an agent turn.
* **`!pnpm test`** — kick off a one-off command directly.

For long-running servers you want to view remotely, use [Tunnels](/docs/tunnels) instead.


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