Dropstone CLI icon

Dropstone CLI

Dropstone CLI is a terminal-based coding agent for developers who want to edit repositories, debug code, refactor across files, and run tests from their shell. It supports planning and approval controls, repository instructions, connected tools, and headless workflows.

Dropstone CLI

Terminal-based coding agent

Dropstone CLI is a terminal-based coding agent for working inside software projects. After installation and sign-in, developers can start from a project folder and describe tasks such as code edits, debugging, refactoring, and repository research. It supports macOS and Linux terminals, Windows PowerShell or WSL, and SSH or headless sessions.

The CLI separates planning from execution: Plan mode proposes work without changing files, while Build mode can edit files, run commands, and use connected tools subject to configured permissions and approval gates. It also carries project instructions, reusable skills, and selected memory between sessions, and can verify changes by running tests and responding to failures.

Core features

Task-specific models

Choose Fast 1.8 for everyday edits and answers, Pro 1.8 for multi-file changes and debugging, or Heavy 1.8 for large refactors and longer-horizon work.

Plan and Build modes

Use Plan mode to review suggested work without changing files, then switch to Build mode when the task is ready to execute.

Permission controls

Set permissions per tool or command so actions can run automatically, request approval, or remain blocked. The CLI supports approval-first execution and explicit command denials.

Repository-aware instructions

The agent can read repository guidance and write an AGENTS.md file, while reusable instructions can live in SKILL.md files and custom agents can be defined in Markdown or JSON.

Test and repair loop

After making changes, it runs tests, reads the results, and can fix failures in the terminal session instead of stopping after the initial edit.

Extensions and automation

Use built-in subagents for parallel exploration and research, connect local or remote tools through MCP servers, or expose the agent through a local server, Node SDK, or HTTP API.

Practical use cases

  • Debugging and test repair

    Start in a repository, describe a bug or failing test, and let the CLI inspect relevant files, apply a targeted change, run the test suite, and respond to the results.

  • Multi-file refactoring

    Use the Pro or Heavy model options for changes that span multiple files, require broader repository context, or involve a large refactor rather than a single edit.

  • Standardizing project work

    Define AGENTS.md project guidance, SKILL.md procedures, or custom agents so recurring repository conventions and task-specific instructions are available during future work.

  • Issue-driven repository maintenance

    Mention an issue or merge request through the listed GitHub or GitLab workflows so the agent can work in the relevant runner, explain its changes, and create a branch or pull request where supported.

  • CI and tool-connected automation

    Run the CLI as a local server, Node SDK, or HTTP API in scripts and CI, and extend its working tools with local or remote MCP servers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Works directly from a project folder in the terminal, including SSH and headless environments.
  • Provides separate planning and execution modes with configurable approvals and command permissions.
  • Supports repository rules, reusable skills, custom agents, memory controls, and test-based follow-up.
  • Can connect to local or remote MCP servers and can be used from GitHub Actions, GitLab runners, scripts, CI, or an HTTP integration.

Cons

  • The available use-case and integration details are focused on repository, GitHub, GitLab, MCP, and terminal workflows; other development environments are not specified.
  • Usage, model availability, and concurrent-task limits vary by plan, so the appropriate tier depends on the intended workload.

FAQ

How do I install and start using Dropstone CLI?

Install Dropstone CLI with the documented Homebrew commands on macOS or Linux, or use the Windows installation option. The first time you run it, the CLI asks you to sign in; the Free plan includes CLI access.

Does Dropstone CLI work on Windows, SSH, or headless servers?

Yes. The site lists macOS and Linux terminals, Windows PowerShell or WSL, and SSH or headless use with sign-in through a pasted token.

Can I review or control changes before they are applied?

Plan mode reads and suggests changes without modifying files, while Build mode can use tools and asks for approval according to the configured permissions. Approval gates can be set per tool or command, including commands that should be blocked.

What kinds of coding workflows does the CLI support?

The CLI can create and edit files in a repository, run commands and tests in the terminal, and check test results before reporting completion. It can also operate through GitHub Actions or GitLab runners for issue and merge-request workflows.

Is my code retained or used for training?

The pricing information states that Dropstone does not retain prompts, code, or outputs and does not use customer data for model training. The CLI also provides memory controls, including options to inspect or forget remembered information.

Quick Facts

Category
Developer Tool
Primary interface
Terminal CLI
Supported environments
macOS, Linux, Windows PowerShell or WSL
Remote usage
SSH and headless sessions supported
Repository workflow
Create and edit files, run commands, and verify with tests
Account access
Sign-in required; CLI included on the Free plan

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