[mise](https://mise.jdx.dev/) is a universal version manager for development
tools. It replaces separate version managers (nvm, pyenv, rbenv, etc.) with a
single tool.
## Why mise?
- **One tool** - Manage all languages and tools in one place
- **Fast** - Written in Rust, activates in milliseconds
- **Compatible** - Works with asdf plugins
- **Project-specific** - Per-directory tool versions via `.tool-versions`
## Installation
```bash
curl https://mise.run | sh
```
Activate in your shell:
```bash
echo 'eval "$(~/.local/bin/mise activate zsh)"' >> ~/.zshrc
```
## Configuration
The main config is at `mise/.config/mise/config.toml`:
```toml
[settings]
idiomatic_version_file_enable_tools = ["ruby"]
[tools]
age = "latest"
argocd = "latest"
atuin = "latest"
bitwarden = "latest"
# ... more tools
```
## Key Commands
```bash
# Install all tools from config
mise install
# Install a specific tool
mise install node@20
# List installed tools
mise list
# Use a specific version in current directory
mise use node@20
# Run a command with a specific tool version
mise exec node@18 -- npm test
```
## Tools Managed
My setup includes:
### Development
- `neovim` - Text editor
- `node` - JavaScript runtime
- `pnpm` - Package manager
- `uv` - Python package manager
### Kubernetes
- `kubectl` - Kubernetes CLI
- `helm` - Package manager for K8s
- `k9s` - Terminal UI for K8s
- `argocd` - GitOps tool
### Utilities
- `fzf` - Fuzzy finder
- `ripgrep` - Fast grep alternative
- `fd` - Fast find alternative
- `bat` - Enhanced cat
- `eza` - Modern ls replacement
- `delta` - Syntax-highlighting pager for git
- `difftastic` - Structural diff tool
- `direnv` - Environment variable manager
### Terminal
- `starship` - Shell prompt
- `zellij` - Terminal multiplexer
- `tmux` - Terminal multiplexer
- `lf` - File manager
- `yazi` - Alternative file manager
### Git
- `gitui` - Terminal UI for git (primary)
- `lazygit` - Alternative git TUI
- `github-cli` - GitHub CLI
- `ripsecrets` - Secret scanner
### Media
- `vhs` - Terminal recording tool
## Project-Specific Versions
Create a `.tool-versions` file in project directories:
```bash
echo "nodejs 20.11.0" > .tool-versions
echo "python 3.11" >> .tool-versions
```
mise will automatically switch to these versions when you enter the directory.
## See Also