README

AI-optimized PHP tool wrapper with intelligent output control.

Sift is a complete PHP CLI wrapper that provides controlled execution of PHP tools with structured, token-optimized output designed specifically for AI agents and automated workflows.

Why Sift

• Token Reduction: Dramatically reduce token consumption with intelligent output sizing
• Complete Control: Only pre-mapped commands and arguments are allowed
• Smart Rendering: Three output modes tuned for different needs (compact/normal/full)
• Standardized Output: Unified structure across all tools
• Process Visibility: Optional real-time progress display that doesn't affect final output

Installation

Install Sift as a development dependency:

composer require --dev vitorsreis/sift

Or download the latest PHAR release.

Quick Start

Initialize a project config:

vendor/bin/sift init

Run a tool through Sift:

vendor/bin/sift phpstan analyse src

AI Setup

If you use coding agents, you can reference AI_INSTRUCTIONS.md from your project's AI instructions so the agent learns to use Sift in a token-efficient way.

Example note in AGENTS.md:

Use the [Sift Instructions](vendor/vitorsreis/sift/docs/AI_INSTRUCTIONS.md) before running tests, linters, static analysis, and other supported PHP tools.

Supported Tools

• phpunit - PHPUnit test runner
• pest - Pest PHP testing framework
• paratest - Parallel testing
• phpstan - Static analysis
• phpcs / phpcbf - Code standards checking
• psalm - Static analysis tool
• rector - Automated refactoring
• pint - Laravel Pint code formatter
• composer - Composer package manager audit, licenses, outdated, and show subcommands

Documentation

Full Documentation

License

Released under the MIT license.