Description

Claude Code v2.1.81 introduced a --bare flag that strips the agent down to essentials for scripted and CI/CD usage: no hooks, no LSP, no plugin sync, no skill directory walks. It requires an API key directly (no OAuth/keychain) and disables auto-memory. This creates a fast, predictable execution mode suitable for piping and automation.

Cline CLI 2.0 takes this further with --json (structured output streaming) and -y (full autonomy, no interactive prompts), making the agent a composable Unix tool with full stdin/stdout support.

Zeph Status

Zeph CLI has no stripped-down mode for automation. Running zeph always initializes the full agent stack (memory, skills, MCP, etc.), which is unnecessary overhead for simple scripted queries. No --json structured output mode exists.

Potential Implementation

• --bare flag: skip skill loading, memory init, MCP connections, scheduler
• --json flag: output structured JSON events to stdout (query, response, tool calls, cost)
• -y or --auto flag: skip all tool confirmation prompts
• Ensure clean stdin/stdout separation for piping

Priority

P4 — useful for CI/CD integration and automation workflows but not blocking core agent usage.