diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index 07b30a9973..040cd897ed 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ members = [
name = "mise"
version = "2026.4.23"
edition = "2024"
-description = "The front-end to your dev env"
+description = "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI"
authors = ["Jeff Dickey (@jdx)"]
homepage = "https://mise.en.dev"
documentation = "https://mise.en.dev"
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index e871d0e662..e087b2b237 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
-The front-end to your dev env
+Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI
Getting Started •
@@ -34,9 +34,13 @@
## What is it?
-- Like [asdf](https://asdf-vm.com) (or [nvm](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm) or [pyenv](https://github.com/pyenv/pyenv) but for any language) it manages [dev tools](https://mise.en.dev/dev-tools/) like node, python, cmake, terraform, and [hundreds more](https://mise.en.dev/registry.html).
-- Like [direnv](https://github.com/direnv/direnv) it manages [environment variables](https://mise.en.dev/environments/) for different project directories.
-- Like [make](https://www.gnu.org/software/make/manual/make.html) it manages [tasks](https://mise.en.dev/tasks/) used to build and test projects.
+`mise` prepares your development environment before each command runs. It keeps
+project tools, environment variables, and tasks in one `mise.toml` file so new
+shells, checkouts, and CI jobs all start from the same setup.
+
+- Install and switch between [dev tools](https://mise.en.dev/dev-tools/) like node, python, cmake, terraform, and [hundreds more](https://mise.en.dev/registry.html).
+- Load [environment variables](https://mise.en.dev/environments/) per project directory, including values from `.env` files and other sources.
+- Define and run [tasks](https://mise.en.dev/tasks/) for building, testing, linting, and deploying projects.
## Demo
diff --git a/communique.toml b/communique.toml
index 84d2b78b70..0570d57907 100644
--- a/communique.toml
+++ b/communique.toml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-context = "mise is a polyglot runtime manager (like asdf, nvm, pyenv, etc), environment manager, and task runner."
+context = "mise prepares project dev environments by managing tools, environment variables, and tasks in one CLI."
[defaults]
emoji = false
diff --git a/default.nix b/default.nix
index 2b86999650..f7d3e1429b 100644
--- a/default.nix
+++ b/default.nix
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ rustPlatform.buildRustPackage {
'';
meta = with lib; {
- description = "The front-end to your dev env";
+ description = "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI";
homepage = "https://github.com/jdx/mise";
license = licenses.mit;
mainProgram = "mise";
diff --git a/docs/dev-tools/index.md b/docs/dev-tools/index.md
index 56b8fa8d8b..ea15f52950 100644
--- a/docs/dev-tools/index.md
+++ b/docs/dev-tools/index.md
@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
# Dev Tools
-> _Like [asdf](https://asdf-vm.com) (or [nvm](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm)
-> or [pyenv](https://github.com/pyenv/pyenv) but for any language), it manages dev tools like node,
-> python, cmake, terraform, and [hundreds more](/registry.html)._
+> _Install and switch between dev tools like node, python, cmake, terraform,
+> and [hundreds more](/registry.html), all from the same project config._
`mise` is a tool that manages installations of programming language runtimes and other tools for local development. For example, it can be used to manage multiple versions of Node.js, Python, Ruby, Go, etc. on the same machine.
@@ -27,9 +26,9 @@ including values produced by env directives like `_.source`, `_.file`, or env mo
before tool version templates are rendered.
::: info
-mise is inspired by [asdf](https://asdf-vm.com) and can leverage asdf's
-vast [plugin ecosystem](https://github.com/mise-plugins/registry)
-under the hood. However, [it is _much_ faster than asdf and has a more friendly user experience](./comparison-to-asdf).
+mise is compatible with asdf `.tool-versions` files and can still use asdf
+plugins when needed. If you're migrating from asdf, see the
+[comparison guide](./comparison-to-asdf).
:::
## How it works
diff --git a/docs/environments/index.md b/docs/environments/index.md
index 0a9b824495..2680fb9353 100644
--- a/docs/environments/index.md
+++ b/docs/environments/index.md
@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
# Environments
-> Like [direnv](https://github.com/direnv/direnv) it
-> manages _environment variables_ for
-> different project directories.
+> Load the right _environment variables_ automatically for each project
+> directory.
Use mise to specify environment variables used for different projects.
diff --git a/docs/index.md b/docs/index.md
index f265a1d376..95ae7ab3e3 100644
--- a/docs/index.md
+++ b/docs/index.md
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ title: Home
hero:
name: mise-en-place
- tagline: The front-end to your dev env
+ tagline: Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI
---
@@ -18,9 +18,9 @@ hero:
before the work.
- mise does the same for your dev env. It activates the right language
- versions, loads the right env vars, and wires up the right tasks for
- the commands you run.
+ mise does the same for your dev env. It installs and activates the
+ right tools, loads the right env vars, and wires up the right tasks
+ for the commands you run.
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ hero:
The Menu
-
Three dishes, one kitchen.
+
One CLI for the whole project setup.
All docs
@@ -41,21 +41,21 @@ hero:
— 01
🔪
Dev Tools
-
A polyglot tool version manager. Replaces asdf, nvm, pyenv, rbenv, and more — one tool for every language.
+
Install project tools, pin versions, and switch automatically as you move between directories.
read more →
— 02
🫕
Environments
- Switch sets of environment variables per project directory. A smarter, simpler replacement for direnv.
+ Load project-specific environment variables from mise.toml, .env files, shell commands, and more.
read more →
— 03
🍳
Tasks
- A powerful task runner that replaces make and npm scripts. Define, compose, and run with ease.
+ Define build, test, lint, and deploy commands next to the tools and env vars they need.
read more →
diff --git a/docs/mise.usage.kdl b/docs/mise.usage.kdl
index 46f1700866..df7aded4ea 100644
--- a/docs/mise.usage.kdl
+++ b/docs/mise.usage.kdl
@@ -1,14 +1,10 @@
name "mise"
bin "mise"
-about "The front-end to your dev env"
-long_about r"mise is a tool for managing runtime versions. https://github.com/jdx/mise
+about "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI"
+long_about r"mise prepares your development environment before each command runs. https://github.com/jdx/mise
-It's a replacement for tools like nvm, nodenv, rbenv, rvm, chruby, pyenv, etc.
-that works for any language. It's also great for managing linters/tools like
-jq and shellcheck.
-
-It is inspired by asdf and uses asdf's plugin ecosystem under the hood:
-https://asdf-vm.com/"
+It installs and switches between project tools, loads environment variables,
+and runs tasks from the same configuration."
usage "Usage: mise [OPTIONS]
"
flag "-C --cd" help="Change directory before running command" global=true {
arg ""
diff --git a/docs/public/site.webmanifest b/docs/public/site.webmanifest
index 8e188d6a5e..e61b9240cc 100755
--- a/docs/public/site.webmanifest
+++ b/docs/public/site.webmanifest
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
{
"name": "mise-en-place",
"short_name": "mise",
- "description": "The front-end to your dev env",
+ "description": "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI",
"icons": [
{
"src": "/logo.svg",
diff --git a/docs/tasks/index.md b/docs/tasks/index.md
index 9ce9c505cf..a83e5609db 100644
--- a/docs/tasks/index.md
+++ b/docs/tasks/index.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
# Tasks
-> Like [make](https://www.gnu.org/software/make/manual/make.html) it manages _tasks_ used
-> to build and test projects.
+> Define and run project _tasks_ for building, testing, linting, deploying, and
+> everyday development workflows.
You can define tasks in `mise.toml` files or as standalone shell scripts. These are useful for
things like running linters, tests, builders, servers, and other tasks that are specific to a
diff --git a/llms.txt b/llms.txt
index a46486e5d8..0df9c2f374 100644
--- a/llms.txt
+++ b/llms.txt
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
## What is mise?
mise (pronounced "meez") is a development environment setup tool that manages:
-1. **Dev Tools**: Version management for programming languages and tools (like asdf, nvm, pyenv, rbenv)
-2. **Environments**: Environment variable management (can replace direnv)
-3. **Tasks**: Task runner for project automation (can replace make, npm scripts)
+1. **Dev Tools**: Installing, pinning, and switching programming languages and tools
+2. **Environments**: Loading project-specific environment variables
+3. **Tasks**: Running project automation for build, test, lint, deploy, and everyday workflows
mise supports hundreds of development tools and can automatically switch between different versions based on your project directory.
@@ -1032,4 +1032,4 @@ pub trait Backend: Debug + Send + Sync {
This architecture provides a flexible, extensible foundation for managing development environments while maintaining compatibility with existing tools and workflows.
-This covers the essential information about mise for LLMs to help users effectively use the tool for development environment management and contribute to its development.
\ No newline at end of file
+This covers the essential information about mise for LLMs to help users effectively use the tool for development environment management and contribute to its development.
diff --git a/man/man1/mise.1 b/man/man1/mise.1
index 5b78c45d34..8b448cae7e 100644
--- a/man/man1/mise.1
+++ b/man/man1/mise.1
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
.TH MISE 1
.SH NAME
-mise \- The front\-end to your dev env
+mise \- Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI
.SH SYNOPSIS
\fBmise\fR [OPTIONS] [] [] ... [] ... [COMMAND]
.SH DESCRIPTION
-mise manages dev tools, env vars, and runs tasks. https://github.com/jdx/mise
+mise prepares your development environment before each command runs. https://github.com/jdx/mise
.PP
.SH OPTIONS
.TP
diff --git a/mise.usage.kdl b/mise.usage.kdl
index 37ed62d72a..9bc8070518 100644
--- a/mise.usage.kdl
+++ b/mise.usage.kdl
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
min_usage_version "2.11"
name mise
bin mise
-about "The front-end to your dev env"
-long_about "mise manages dev tools, env vars, and runs tasks. https://github.com/jdx/mise"
+about "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI"
+long_about "mise prepares your development environment before each command runs. https://github.com/jdx/mise"
default_subcommand run
usage "Usage: mise [OPTIONS] [TASK] [COMMAND]"
flag "-c --continue-on-error" help="Continue running tasks even if one fails" hide=#true
diff --git a/packaging/copr/build-copr.sh b/packaging/copr/build-copr.sh
index 17e9ebb436..b0cddc6594 100755
--- a/packaging/copr/build-copr.sh
+++ b/packaging/copr/build-copr.sh
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ cat >"SPECS/${PACKAGE_NAME}.spec" <<'EOF'
Name: __PACKAGE_NAME__
Version: __VERSION__
Release: 1%{?dist}
-Summary: The front-end to your dev env
+Summary: Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI
License: MIT
URL: https://mise.en.dev
@@ -192,9 +192,9 @@ BuildRequires: git
BuildRequires: openssl-devel
%description
-mise is a development environment setup tool that manages runtime versions,
-environment variables, and tasks. It's a replacement for tools like nvm, rbenv,
-pyenv, etc. and works with any language.
+mise prepares your development environment before each command runs. It installs
+and switches between project tools, loads environment variables, and runs tasks
+from the same configuration.
%prep
%autosetup -n %{name}-%{version}
diff --git a/packaging/rpm/mise.spec b/packaging/rpm/mise.spec
index 96c422fb11..6d912909ba 100644
--- a/packaging/rpm/mise.spec
+++ b/packaging/rpm/mise.spec
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-Summary: The front-end to your dev env
+Summary: Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI
Name: mise
Version: 2026.4.23
Release: 1
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ Packager: @jdx
BuildRoot: /root/mise
%description
-mise is a polyglot runtime manager
+mise prepares your development environment before each command runs.
%install
mkdir -p %{buildroot}/usr/bin/
diff --git a/scripts/build-deb.sh b/scripts/build-deb.sh
index d3853de2b8..601ffdbb97 100755
--- a/scripts/build-deb.sh
+++ b/scripts/build-deb.sh
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ fpm -s dir -t deb \
--license MIT \
--version "${MISE_VERSION#v*}" \
--architecture amd64 \
- --description "The front-end to your dev env" \
+ --description "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI" \
--url "https://github.com/jdx/mise" \
--maintainer "Jeff Dickey @jdx" \
mise/bin/mise=/usr/bin/mise \
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ fpm -s dir -t deb \
--license MIT \
--version "${MISE_VERSION#v*}" \
--architecture arm64 \
- --description "The front-end to your dev env" \
+ --description "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI" \
--url "https://github.com/jdx/mise" \
--maintainer "Jeff Dickey @jdx" \
mise/bin/mise=/usr/bin/mise \
diff --git a/scripts/build-rpm.sh b/scripts/build-rpm.sh
index 1ac44e55f4..7768b30f30 100755
--- a/scripts/build-rpm.sh
+++ b/scripts/build-rpm.sh
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ fpm -s dir -t rpm \
--license MIT \
--version "${MISE_VERSION#v*}" \
--architecture x86_64 \
- --description "The front-end to your dev env" \
+ --description "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI" \
--url "https://github.com/jdx/mise" \
--maintainer "Jeff Dickey @jdx" \
mise/bin/mise=/usr/bin/mise \
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ fpm -s dir -t rpm \
--license MIT \
--version "${MISE_VERSION#v*}" \
--architecture aarch64 \
- --description "The front-end to your dev env" \
+ --description "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI" \
--url "https://github.com/jdx/mise" \
--maintainer "Jeff Dickey @jdx" \
mise/bin/mise=/usr/bin/mise \
diff --git a/scripts/release-npm.sh b/scripts/release-npm.sh
index 247d527309..5de9e6b46b 100755
--- a/scripts/release-npm.sh
+++ b/scripts/release-npm.sh
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ for platform in "${platforms[@]}"; do
{
"name": "$NPM_PREFIX-$os-$arch",
"version": "$MISE_VERSION",
- "description": "polyglot runtime manager",
+ "description": "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI",
"bin": {
"mise": "bin/mise"
},
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ EOF
cat <"$RELEASE_DIR/npm/package.json"
{
"name": "$NPM_PREFIX",
- "description": "polyglot runtime manager",
+ "description": "Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI",
"version": "$MISE_VERSION",
"repository": {
"type": "git",
diff --git a/snapcraft.yaml b/snapcraft.yaml
index 1f7d7a4836..8469ca863e 100644
--- a/snapcraft.yaml
+++ b/snapcraft.yaml
@@ -10,13 +10,13 @@
name: mise
title: mise-en-place
version: "2026.4.23"
-summary: The front-end to your dev env
+summary: Dev tools, env vars, and tasks in one CLI
description: |
- mise-en-place is a command line tool to manage your development environment.
+ mise-en-place prepares your development environment before each command runs.
- - Like asdf (or nvm or pyenv but for any language) it manages [dev tools](https://mise.en.dev/dev-tools/) like node, python, cmake, terraform, and [hundreds more](https://mise.en.dev/registry.html).
- - Like direnv it manages [environment variables](https://mise.en.dev/environments/) for different project directories.
- - Like make it manages [tasks](https://mise.en.dev/tasks/) used to build and test projects.
+ - Install and switch between [dev tools](https://mise.en.dev/dev-tools/) like node, python, cmake, terraform, and [hundreds more](https://mise.en.dev/registry.html).
+ - Load [environment variables](https://mise.en.dev/environments/) for each project directory.
+ - Define and run [tasks](https://mise.en.dev/tasks/) used to build, test, lint, and deploy projects.
See the [documentation](https://mise.en.dev/getting-started.html) to learn more.
diff --git a/src/cli/mod.rs b/src/cli/mod.rs
index e84d1e7fbd..6cbdd8729f 100644
--- a/src/cli/mod.rs
+++ b/src/cli/mod.rs
@@ -744,8 +744,7 @@ impl Cli {
}
}
-const LONG_ABOUT: &str =
- "mise manages dev tools, env vars, and runs tasks. https://github.com/jdx/mise";
+const LONG_ABOUT: &str = "mise prepares your development environment before each command runs. https://github.com/jdx/mise";
const LONG_TASK_ABOUT: &str = r#"Task to run.