Practicalli Clojure CLI Config

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 30 views

Introduction

In this video, we will introduce the Clojure CLI and the Practicalli Clojure workflow. The Clojure CLI is a tool that allows us to create and manage Clojure projects, while the Practicalli Clojure workflow is a set of tools and configurations that make it easier to develop and deploy Clojure applications.

Installing Clojure CLI

The Clojure CLI is installed along with Java (21) as the host platform. This means that we can use the Clojure CLI to create and manage Clojure projects, without having to install any additional software.

Practicalli Clojure CLI Config

The Practicalli Clojure CLI config is the user configuration, containing a wide range of aliases that extend the features of Clojure CLI. This configuration allows us to create and manage Clojure projects more efficiently, and provides a set of tools and features that make it easier to develop and deploy Clojure applications.

Creating a New Project

To create a new project, we can use the clojure -T:project/create alias, which is defined in the Practicalli Clojure CLI config. This alias allows us to create a new project using the app template, which provides a basic structure for a Clojure application.

clojure -T:project/create :template app :name practicalli/gameboard/service

Adding a dev/user.clj File

The dev/user.clj file is used to configure the REPL during startup, adding library hotload, namespace reload, and portal data inspector. We can copy the dev/user.clj file from the practicalli/clojure-app-template repository to our project.

copy dev/user.clj from practicalli/clojure-app-template

Starting a Rich Terminal UI Repl Prompt

To start a rich terminal UI repl prompt with additional dev tools, we can use the clojure -T:project/create alias again.

clojure -T:project/create :template app :name practicalli/gameboard

Starting a REPL via the Command Line

To start a REPL via the command line, using an alias from practicalli/clojure-deps-edn, we can use the following command.

clojure -M:repl/reloaded

Connecting to the REPL from an Editor

Although Clojure code can be evaluated in the terminal UI prompt for the REPL, it is more effective to use an editor connected to the REPL. In this video, we are using Emacs, but the process is conceptually the same for Neovim, VS Code, Sublime Text, and any other Clojure-aware editor.

Opening a Clojure File in the Editor

To open a Clojure file in the editor, we can start Emacs and connect to the running REPL.

Understanding the deps.edn File

The deps.edn file contains dependency and path configuration, along with some optional aliases. The :deps keyword defines the library names and versions the project depends upon. An org.clojure/clojure library is included to set a specific version of Clojure to use. Otherwise, the Clojure version shipped with the Clojure CLI tool is used.

Defining a Server

The project is going to serve an API, so a server will be defined. To do this, we can open the src/practicalli/gameboard/service.clj file in the editor.

Creating a Rich Comment

To create a rich comment to contain the code as we experiment, we can use the following syntax.

(comment )

Looking Up a Library

To look up a library for a HTTP server, we can use the find-deps command either from an alias or via the dev/user.clj file.

Creating a New Project

clojure -T:project/create :template app :name practicalli/gameboard/service

Adding a dev/user.clj File

copy dev/user.clj from practicalli/clojure-app-template

Starting a Rich Terminal UI Repl Prompt

To start a rich terminal UI repl prompt with additional dev tools, we can use the clojure -T:project/create alias again.

clojure -T:project/create :template app :name practicalli/gameboard

Starting a REPL via the Command Line

To start a REPL via the command line, using an alias from practicalli/clojure-deps-edn, we can use the following command.

clojure -M:repl/reloaded

Connecting to the REPL from an Editor

Opening a Clojure File in the Editor

To open a Clojure file in the editor, we can start Emacs and connect to the running REPL.

Understanding the deps.edn File

Defining a Server

The project is going to serve an API, so a server will be defined. To do this, we can open the src/practicalli/gameboard/service.clj file in the editor.

Creating a Rich Comment

To create a rich comment to contain the code as we experiment, we can use the following syntax.

(comment )

Looking Up a Library

To look up a library for a HTTP server, we can use the find-deps command either from an alias or via the dev/user.clj file.

Conclusion

Q: What is the Clojure CLI?

A: The Clojure CLI is a tool that allows us to create and manage Clojure projects. It is installed along with Java (21) as the host platform, and provides a set of tools and features that make it easier to develop and deploy Clojure applications.

Q: What is the Practicalli Clojure workflow?

A: The Practicalli Clojure workflow is a set of tools and configurations that make it easier to develop and deploy Clojure applications. It includes a wide range of aliases that extend the features of the Clojure CLI, and provides a set of tools and features that make it easier to create and manage Clojure projects.

Q: How do I create a new project using the Clojure CLI?

A: To create a new project using the Clojure CLI, you can use the clojure -T:project/create alias, which is defined in the Practicalli Clojure CLI config. This alias allows you to create a new project using the app template, which provides a basic structure for a Clojure application.

Q: What is the `dev/user.clj` file?

A: The dev/user.clj file is used to configure the REPL during startup, adding library hotload, namespace reload, and portal data inspector. You can copy the dev/user.clj file from the practicalli/clojure-app-template repository to your project.

Q: How do I start a rich terminal UI repl prompt with additional dev tools?

A: To start a rich terminal UI repl prompt with additional dev tools, you can use the clojure -T:project/create alias again.

Q: How do I connect to the REPL from an editor?

A: Although Clojure code can be evaluated in the terminal UI prompt for the REPL, it is more effective to use an editor connected to the REPL. In this video, we are using Emacs, but the process is conceptually the same for Neovim, VS Code, Sublime Text, and any other Clojure-aware editor.

Q: What is the `deps.edn` file?

A: The deps.edn file contains dependency and path configuration, along with some optional aliases. The :deps keyword defines the library names and versions the project depends upon. An org.clojure/clojure library is included to set a specific version of Clojure to use. Otherwise, the Clojure version shipped with the Clojure CLI tool is used.

Q: How do I define a server?

A: To define a server, you can open the src/practicalli/gameboard/service.clj file in the editor.

Q: What is a rich comment?

A: A rich comment is a comment that contains code as we experiment. We can use the following syntax to create a rich comment.

(comment )

Q: How do I look up a library for a HTTP server?

A: To look up a library for a HTTP server, you can use the find-deps command either from an alias or via the dev/user.clj file.

Q: What is the Practicalli Clojure workflow's advantage?

A: The Practicalli Clojure workflow's advantage is that it provides a set of tools and features that make it easier to create and manage Clojure projects. It includes a wide range of aliases that extend the features of the Clojure CLI, and provides a set of tools and features that make it easier to develop and deploy Clojure applications.

Q: Can I use the Practicalli Clojure workflow with other editors?

A: Yes, you can use the Practicalli Clojure workflow with other editors, such as Neovim, VS Code, Sublime Text, and any other Clojure-aware editor.

Q: Is the Practicalli Clojure workflow compatible with other Clojure tools?

A: Yes, the Practicalli Clojure workflow is compatible with other Clojure tools, such as Leiningen and Maven.

Q: Can I customize the Practicalli Clojure workflow?

A: Yes, you can customize the Practicalli Clojure workflow to suit your needs. You can modify the aliases and configurations to fit your project's requirements.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Practicalli Clojure workflow?

A: You can find more information about the Practicalli Clojure workflow on the Practicalli website, as well as on GitHub and other online resources.