gh repo read-file and read-dir inspect repository contents
Introduced 2026-06-17 · score 0.99
HOW TO USE IT
When you need to inspect a GitHub repository without cloning it, use `gh repo read-file` to read a file or save it locally, and `gh repo read-dir` to list directory entries. Both use the default branch unless you pass `--ref`; both commands are in preview.
gh repo read-file <path> --repo <owner>/<repo>gh repo read-file <path> --repo <owner>/<repo> --ref <branch|tag|commit> --output <local-path>gh repo read-dir <directory-path> --repo <owner>/<repo>WHY THIS HELPS
Inspect a repository’s files or directory without cloning it.
REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS
- Version: v2.95.0
- Availability: Preview; subject to change without notice.
- <path> (required): Repository file path for `read-file`.
- <directory-path>: Directory to list; omit to list the repository root.
- --repo <[HOST/]OWNER/REPO>: Select a repository.
- --ref <branch|tag|commit>: Read or list at the specified branch, tag, or commit; defaults to the repository’s default branch.
- --output <path>: Write file contents to a local path instead of stdout.
- --clobber: Overwrite the output path if it already exists.
- --json <fields>: Output JSON with selected fields.
- --jq <expression>: Filter JSON output using a jq expression.
- --template <string>: Format JSON output using a Go template.
- Prerequisite: Both commands are in preview and subject to change without notice.
- Both commands default to the repository’s default branch.
- `--ref` targets a branch, tag, or commit.
FIRST-PARTY EVIDENCE
- https://github.com/cli/cli/releases/tag/v2.95.0
- https://cli.github.com/manual/gh_repo_read-file
- https://cli.github.com/manual/gh_repo_read-dir
Check the installed version and the source before using it. Entry JSON