---
title: "bat Syntax-Highlighting Cat Replacement"
description: "bat is a cat(1) clone written in Rust that adds syntax highlighting for over 200 languages, Git integration showing file modifications, automatic paging, and line numbering. It serves as a drop-in replacement for cat with enhanced readability for code and configuration files."
verification: "security_reviewed"
source: "https://github.com/sharkdp/bat"
category:
  - "Developer Tools"
framework:
  - "Claude Code"
tool_ecosystem:
  github_repo: "sharkdp/bat"
  github_stars: 57909
---

# bat Syntax-Highlighting Cat Replacement

bat is a cat(1) clone written in Rust that adds syntax highlighting for over 200 languages, Git integration showing file modifications, automatic paging, and line numbering. It serves as a drop-in replacement for cat with enhanced readability for code and configuration files.

## Installation

Choose whichever fits your setup:

1. Copy this skill folder into your local skills directory.
2. Clone the repo and symlink or copy the skill into your agent workspace.
3. Add the repo as a git submodule if you manage shared skills centrally.
4. Install it through your internal provisioning or packaging workflow.
5. Download the folder directly from GitHub and place it in your skills collection.

## Source

- [Agent Skill Exchange](https://agentskillexchange.com/skills/bat-syntax-highlighting-cat-replacement/)