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Developer ToolingPrototype

Killit

Safety-aware cross-platform port killer for local development workflows.

Node.jsCLITUICross-PlatformProcess Management
Developer Tooling

K

Killit

Case study visual placeholder

Architecture flow

1 layers
API & Services
Native OS listener detection
Three-tier process safety classification
CLI and programmable API usage

Problem

Developers often kill port-hogging processes manually, risking accidental termination of important system or database processes.

My Role

Built the CLI behavior, safety classification approach, cross-platform detection flow, and programmable API surface.

Solution

A zero-dependency Node.js CLI detects listeners through native OS tools, classifies process safety, and offers an interactive TUI before termination.

Stack

Node.jsCLITUICross-PlatformProcess Management

Case study

Problem

Developers often kill port-hogging processes manually, risking accidental termination of important system or database processes.

Proof signal

Zero dependencies · 3-tier safety engine · macOS/Linux/Windows/Docker

My Role

Built the CLI behavior, safety classification approach, cross-platform detection flow, and programmable API surface.

Core product work

  • Port detection
  • Safety classification
  • Interactive TUI
  • API mode

Solution

A zero-dependency Node.js CLI detects listeners through native OS tools, classifies process safety, and offers an interactive TUI before termination.

A zero-dependency Node.js CLI detects listeners through native OS tools, classifies process safety with a 3-tier engine, and offers an interactive TUI before termination.

Architecture Highlights

Native OS listener detection

Three-tier process safety classification

CLI and programmable API usage

Challenges and Tradeoffs

  • Supporting different OS-level process discovery tools.
  • Designing safe defaults for a potentially destructive command.

Impact / Outcome

  • Built a developer tool focused on safer local process management.
  • Reduced risk in a common workflow by classifying processes before termination.

Learnings

  • Developer tools need strong guardrails around destructive actions.
  • Cross-platform CLIs work best with layered detection fallbacks.