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Elizabeth Stein
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Case study

devtools2025

gif-my-code

The only free CLI tool that creates animated code GIFs with line highlighting. 250+ language support via Chroma auto-detection, laser-reveal and typing animations, customisable speed, and full scriptability for CI/CD pipelines. Competes with paid tools like Snappify ($5–30/mo) at zero cost.

Building the tools that build the tools

Field notes

Role

Creator

Read order

Evidence first, then constraint → build → proof. Use the chapter rail to jump sections; orbit to adjacent work from the bottom of the case study.

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Evidence

System surface

No public screenshot on file—generative preview stands in for the visual layer.

Signature viewpreview

Story arc

How this shipped

Building the tools that build the toolsThree beats: what pressed against the work, how the stack answered, and what changed once it was live.

I · Constraint

The brief

Creating beautiful animated code demos for Twitter, READMEs, and docs required expensive SaaS tools or manual screen recording. No free CLI alternative existed.

II · Build

The craft

Built Go CLI with Chroma for 250+ language syntax highlighting and auto-detection from file extensions. Laser-reveal and typing animations with configurable speed. Fully scriptable for CI/CD.

III · Proof

What moved after launch

Free alternative to $5–30/mo paid tools. 250+ languages covered. CLI-first design enables automated GIF generation in CI pipelines and documentation workflows.

Inventory

Stack & signals

GoCLIDeveloper Tools
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Tell me what you're building

If you need someone who can own UI, systems, and AI integration without losing the plot—I'm listening. Contract, advisory, or full-time: we'll find the right shape.

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© 2026 Elizabeth Stein

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