Choose a CLI that exposes the actions your agent needs and returns data it can read. Check how it selects a target, authenticates and handles writes before giving it access.
These checks apply to tools in the CLI directory. The examples use the unofficial Asana CLI v0.1.2. Awesome CLI’s maintainer also maintains that project.
Can you name the exact resource?
A project name is convenient until two projects share it. Look for a way to select the resource by its ID. Asana calls that identifier a GID:
asana task list --project-gid 1234567890123456 --json
The ID is illustrative. Read the available projects first and use the ID of the project you intend to access. Avoid letting an agent guess between matching names.
Can a script read the result?
Check the documented output format. Asana CLI supports JSON, plain text, jq filters and templates. For a task list, --json returns data a script can process:
asana task list --project "Launch Plan" --json
Replace the example name with your project. Inspect the result before choosing fields for the next command. An empty result and a failed request need different handling. The JSON scripting guide shows those checks with a Bash example.
Also check how the tool handles pagination. A partial response should not be treated as a complete list.
What happens when it changes data?
Look for a preview or dry run on the commands you need. Asana CLI supports this on task updates:
asana task update 1234567890123456 --name "Review launch checklist" --dry-run
This previews the update without applying it. It can still read Asana to resolve names or validate inputs. The preview is not a field-by-field diff. Check the target and flags before removing --dry-run.
Destructive Asana CLI commands require --confirm. These checks belong to the CLI; they do not limit other shell commands an agent can run.
What access does it get?
Read the authentication instructions before supplying a credential. Asana CLI uses a Personal Access Token under your Asana account. ASANA_TOKEN overrides its saved login, so check the agent’s environment if it uses the wrong account.
The token does not bypass Asana permissions or plan limits. Task search uses Asana’s premium search API. Test a project task list first if you only need to read its tasks.
Can you install a known version?
Use a release you can identify and check its documentation before upgrading. The Go installation command can pin Asana CLI:
go install github.com/vincentsch/asana-cli/cmd/[email protected]
The installation page also has macOS, Linux and Windows options. Check the repository’s license and release history. Asana CLI is MIT-licensed and pre-1.0, so an upgrade can change its behavior.
If your agent already connects to Asana through MCP, compare its tools before adding another interface. The CLI and MCP comparison covers the authentication and output differences.