Clojure CLI

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What Clojure CLI is

Clojure CLI is a free command-line tool for running Clojure programs on the Java Virtual Machine. It uses deps.edn files to configure dependencies, resolve them, and place downloads on the JVM classpath. The clj command starts a Clojure REPL by default. Other modes run a main namespace or script with -M, execute functions with -X, or run tools with -T. Maven Central and Clojars are included as Maven repositories, and dependencies can come from Maven JARs, Git repositories, local directories, and local JARs. The CLI supports workspaces, private registry authentication, and locally installed tools that can be invoked across projects. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and POSIX systems, with Java required; listed supported LTS releases are Java 8, 11, 17, 21, and 25. Installation guidance includes Windows and WSL options. Dependency troubleshooting can print a classpath or tree, or write an expansion trace to trace.edn. Questions and issue reports are directed to Ask Clojure.

Who it suits

Clojure CLI suits developers running Clojure or other JVM-based libraries across Linux, macOS, Windows, or POSIX systems. It is intended for general-purpose work where Java access and concurrency support are useful.

What it does well

Free command-line tool
Runs Clojure on the JVM
Supports multiple dependency sources
Includes REPL and execution modes
Works across listed operating systems

What to know first

Java is required
No free trial is listed
Windows, macOS, and Linux support still requires setup

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Clojure CLI	No paid plans or usage limits are stated on the pages reviewed	Free

As clojure.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Clojure CLI provides dependency-driven project execution, REPL access, tool commands, and classpath diagnostics at no listed cost. Developers should verify Java availability and select the installation path for their operating system.

Facts from Clojure CLI's own pages

Audience: Clojure is designed as a general-purpose language for areas where Java is suitable, with JVM access and built-in concurrency support. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Classpath debugging: Options include printing the classpath or dependency tree and writing a dependency expansion trace to trace.edn. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Dependency management: The CLI resolves dependencies from deps.edn configuration and downloads them for the JVM classpath. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Dependency resolution: Yes · clojure.org, 21 Sept 2026
Execution modes: The CLI can execute functions with -X, run tools with -T, and run a main namespace or script with -M. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · clojure.org, 21 Sept 2026
Integrations: The CLI can use Clojure and other JVM-based libraries, with dependencies downloaded from public repositories such as Maven Central. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Java requirement: Clojure requires Java; the installation guide lists supported LTS releases as Java 8, 11, 17, 21, and 25. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Operating systems: The installation guide provides macOS, Linux, POSIX, and Windows instructions, including a Windows installer and WSL option. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Package formats: Maven JARs,Git repositories,local directories,local JARs · clojure.org, 21 Sept 2026
Private registry auth: Yes · clojure.org, 21 Sept 2026
Purpose: The Clojure CLI runs Clojure programs on the Java Virtual Machine and uses deps.edn files to configure and download dependencies. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
REPL: The clj command starts a Clojure REPL by default. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Repositories: The built-in root deps.edn includes Maven Central and Clojars as Maven repositories. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Security: The latest listed Linux and POSIX installer changes include embedding and checking checksums in the installers. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The Clojure team directs users to its Ask Clojure forum to ask questions, report potential problems, and request enhancements. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: Windows,macOS,Linux,POSIX systems; Java required · clojure.org, 21 Sept 2026
Tool installation: CLI tools can be installed locally under a short name and invoked across projects using the same user configuration. · clojure.org, 11 Oct 2026
Workspace support: Yes · clojure.org, 21 Sept 2026

Where Clojure CLI stands on Freedom251

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