# PAT


## What it Does
`pat` is a command-line tool for concatenating and displaying the contents of files and directories. It:
1. Processes the specified files and directories recursively.
2. Appends content to a structured output with file paths and a delimiter for clarity.
3. Copies the resulting output to the system clipboard for convenient sharing or reuse.

Example use case:
- Aggregate and view the contents of multiple files or directories in one command.
- Automatically copy the aggregated result to the clipboard for seamless integration with other tools or platforms.


## Dependencies
1. **Golang** (only to install / build):
   - The application requires the Go programming language (`>= 1.18`) to compile and run.
   - Dependency: `golang.design/x/clipboard` for clipboard interaction.
2. **External Tools**:
   - On Wayland-based systems, `wl-copy` must be installed for clipboard functionality.

## Installation

Install go-cat directly using go install:

``` sh
go install git.schreifuchs.ch/schreifuchs/pat@latest
```


The binary will be placed in your $GOPATH/bin directory. Ensure $GOPATH/bin is in your system's PATH to run it directly.


## Example Usage
Concatenate files and directories:
```bash
./pat file1.txt folder/
```

Output is printed to the terminal and copied to the clipboard, allowing you to paste it elsewhere.

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#### Notes
- The tool uses `---------------------------------------------------------------------------` as a delimiter to separate file contents for readability.
- If clipboard functionality fails (e.g., unsupported environment), the application will still display the result in the terminal.