password-prompt

This package does exactly one thing: prompts for passwords without echoing characters to the terminal. The API is refreshingly simple - just call `passwordPrompt()` and you get a promise that resolves with the input. It works consistently across Windows, macOS, and Linux, which saves you from dealing with platform-specific quirks.

The learning curve is essentially zero. There's no configuration needed for basic usage, and the optional parameters (custom prompt text, masking character) are intuitive. Error handling is straightforward - it throws on EOF/Ctrl+C, which you can catch like any promise rejection. I've used it in CLI tools where users need to enter credentials, and it's been completely reliable.

The main limitation is the lack of documentation around edge cases. The README is brief, showing basic usage but not much else. For instance, understanding how it behaves in non-TTY environments or when stdin is piped required reading the source code. That said, the source is clean and readable (under 200 lines), so debugging isn't difficult.

This library does exactly one thing: prompts for passwords without echoing to the terminal. The API is refreshingly minimal—just call the function and await the result. Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux) works reliably without configuration, which is harder than it sounds given the different terminal behaviors.

From a security perspective, the zero-dependency approach is a major win. No transitive dependency risks, and the tiny codebase (~100 lines) is easily auditable. The password string is handled carefully without unnecessary copies, though it's still a JavaScript string in memory. The library doesn't attempt over-engineering features like strength validation or storage, keeping the attack surface minimal.

One practical gotcha: error handling when stdin isn't a TTY could be clearer. The library will fail in non-interactive environments, which is correct behavior, but the error messages don't guide you toward detection strategies. Also be aware passwords are still in V8's heap—if you need true memory security, you'll need native extensions.

This package does exactly one thing: prompts for passwords without echoing characters to the terminal. The API is refreshingly simple - just call the function and await the result. It works consistently across Windows, Mac, and Linux, which saves you from dealing with platform-specific terminal quirks yourself.

The learning curve is essentially non-existent. There's literally one function to call, and the README shows you everything you need in about 30 seconds. No configuration options to fiddle with, no edge cases to memorize. It either works or it doesn't, and in my experience it's always worked. Error handling is straightforward - it throws if stdin isn't a TTY, which makes sense.

The main limitation is that it's *too* simple for complex use cases. If you need password confirmation, strength validation, or custom masking characters, you'll need to build that yourself or look elsewhere. But for CLI tools that just need a secure password input, this is perfect. The small size and zero dependencies mean it won't bloat your project.