# VHS Research Documentation Index

**Research Completed:** January 28, 2026
**Subject:** charmbracelet/vhs - CLI Terminal Recording Tool
**Total Documentation:** 4 comprehensive documents, 3,500+ lines, 100+ code examples

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## Document Overview

### 1. 📖 VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md (PRIMARY DOCUMENT)
**Purpose:** Complete reference guide for VHS implementation

**Contents:**
- Executive Summary (1 page)
- Tape File Syntax Reference (500+ lines)
  - Settings (20+ configuration options)
  - Commands (35+ command types)
  - Output formats (GIF, MP4, WebM, PNG, text)
  - Full code examples for each feature
- Installation & Dependencies (200+ lines)
  - Platform-specific instructions (8+ platforms)
  - Docker setup
  - Dependency version requirements
- Integration Patterns (300+ lines)
  - GitHub Actions setup with examples
  - SSH server deployment
  - Programmatic tape generation
- Advanced Features (200+ lines)
  - Theme customization
  - Modular tape organization
  - Frame control and timing
- Best Practices (250+ lines)
  - GIF optimization strategies
  - CI/CD integration patterns
  - Complex CLI recording
  - Testing approaches
- Limitations & Workarounds (200+ lines)
  - Platform-specific issues
  - Performance optimization
  - Timing and synchronization
- Real-World Examples (150+ lines)
  - 5 complete working examples
  - GitHub Actions workflows
  - Docker integration

**Best For:**
- Developers implementing VHS integration
- Technical architects evaluating VHS
- DevOps engineers setting up CI/CD
- Comprehensive reference needs

**Key Sections:**
- Tape command reference (copy/paste ready)
- Installation checklist
- Dependency analysis
- Performance tuning guide

---

### 2. ⚡ VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md (CHEAT SHEET)
**Purpose:** Fast lookup guide for common tasks

**Contents:**
- One-liner installation commands (all platforms)
- Basic tape template
- Settings quick table
- Action commands lookup table
- Common patterns
- Performance optimization tips
- Troubleshooting quick fixes
- Real examples (3)
- Environment variables reference

**Best For:**
- Quick syntax lookup
- Installation reference
- Common troubleshooting
- Copy-paste ready code
- One-page printable guide

**Page Size:** ~4 KB, fits on 1-2 printed pages

---

### 3. 🛠️ VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md (IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE)
**Purpose:** Practical code examples for different languages and scenarios

**Contents:**

**Tape Generation (3 language examples):**
- Python TapeBuilder class with fluent API
- Bash template-based generation
- Go programmatic builder

**GitHub Actions Workflows (4 examples):**
- Basic workflow (simple recording)
- Matrix workflow (multiple demos)
- PR comment workflow (comment GIF on PRs)
- Auto-commit workflow

**CI/CD Integration (3 examples):**
- Pre-commit hooks
- GitLab CI pipeline
- Jenkins pipeline

**Testing Patterns (3 examples):**
- Golden file testing
- Integration test suite
- Regex validation testing

**Docker Integration (3 examples):**
- Multi-stage Dockerfile
- Docker Compose setup
- SSH server in Docker

**Best For:**
- Copy-paste ready code
- Language-specific examples
- CI/CD setup
- Testing strategy implementation
- Docker deployment

**Code Languages Covered:**
- Python (full builder class)
- Bash (scripting)
- Go (builder pattern)
- YAML (GitHub Actions, Docker Compose, GitLab CI, Jenkins)
- Groovy (Jenkins)

---

### 4. 📋 VHS_RESEARCH_SUMMARY.md (EXECUTIVE BRIEF)
**Purpose:** High-level overview and key findings

**Contents:**
- Research deliverables overview
- Key findings (capabilities, architecture, deployment)
- Tape syntax summary
- Performance characteristics
- Integration readiness scores
- Risk assessment
- Comparison with alternatives
- Recommendations for your project
- Resource summary
- Methodology and confidence levels

**Best For:**
- Management briefings
- Architecture decisions
- Risk assessment
- Tool evaluation
- Quick project context
- Next steps planning

**Key Insights:**
- Readiness scores for different use cases
- Risk assessment with mitigation
- Performance benchmarks
- Tool comparison table

---

## Quick Navigation Guide

### By Use Case

**"I need to install VHS locally"**
→ Start: VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md (Installation section)
→ Deep: VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md (Installation section)

**"I need to set up GitHub Actions"**
→ Start: VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md (GitHub Actions section)
→ Deep: VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md (GitHub Actions section)
→ Full: VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md (GitHub Actions Integration)

**"I need to generate tapes programmatically"**
→ Start: VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md (Tape Generation section)
→ Full: VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md (Tape syntax)

**"I need to understand the tool completely"**
→ Full: VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md (all sections)

**"I need a quick reference to tape syntax"**
→ Start: VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md (Settings and Commands tables)
→ Detailed: VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md (Tape File Syntax Reference)

**"I need Docker/CI/CD integration examples"**
→ Start: VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md (Docker, CI/CD sections)
→ Quick: VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md (Docker alternative)

**"I need to evaluate VHS vs other tools"**
→ VHS_RESEARCH_SUMMARY.md (Comparison section)

**"I need to present this to my team"**
→ VHS_RESEARCH_SUMMARY.md (full document)

---

## Key Information by Topic

### Installation
| Document | Section | Detail Level |
|----------|---------|----------------|
| Quick Reference | Installation | One-liner per platform |
| Comprehensive | Installation & Dependencies | 200+ lines, all details |
| Code Examples | Docker Integration | Container setup |

### Tape Syntax
| Document | Section | Detail Level |
|----------|---------|----------------|
| Quick Reference | Action Commands Quick Lookup | Tables, no details |
| Comprehensive | Tape File Syntax Reference | 500+ lines, all commands |
| Code Examples | Tape Generation | Language examples |

### Integration
| Document | Section | Detail Level |
|----------|---------|----------------|
| Quick Reference | GitHub Actions | Basic workflow |
| Comprehensive | Integration Patterns | 300+ lines, SSH server |
| Code Examples | GitHub Actions, CI/CD | 4 GitHub Actions, 3 CI/CD |

### Performance
| Document | Section | Detail Level |
|----------|---------|----------------|
| Quick Reference | Performance Optimization | Tips only |
| Comprehensive | Best Practices, Performance | 200+ lines |
| Summary | Performance Characteristics | Benchmark tables |

### Troubleshooting
| Document | Section | Detail Level |
|----------|---------|----------------|
| Quick Reference | Troubleshooting | Quick fixes |
| Comprehensive | Known Limitations & Workarounds | 200+ lines |
| Summary | Risk Assessment | Risk by scenario |

---

## Code Examples by Language

### Python
- TapeBuilder class (fluent API) - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md

### Bash
- Template-based generation - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md
- Testing script - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md
- Integration scripts - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md

### Go
- TapeBuilder implementation - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md

### YAML (Configuration)
- GitHub Actions workflows (4 examples) - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md
- GitLab CI pipeline - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md
- Docker Compose - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md

### Groovy
- Jenkins pipeline - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md

### Dockerfile
- Multi-stage builds - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md
- VHS as base image - VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md

---

## Statistics

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Total Lines | 3,500+ |
| Total Code Examples | 100+ |
| Installation Methods | 8+ |
| Tape Commands Documented | 35+ |
| Settings Documented | 20+ |
| GitHub Actions Examples | 4 |
| CI/CD Examples | 3+ |
| Language Examples | 5 |
| Themes Listed | 150+ |
| Platforms Covered | 8+ |

---

## Document Relationships

```
VHS_RESEARCH_INDEX.md (you are here)
│
├─→ VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md
│   (Cheat sheet, one-pagers)
│   ├─ For installation lookup
│   ├─ For command syntax
│   ├─ For quick examples
│   └─ For troubleshooting tips
│
├─→ VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md
│   (Complete reference)
│   ├─ Tape syntax (500+ lines)
│   ├─ Installation details (200+ lines)
│   ├─ Integration patterns (300+ lines)
│   ├─ Best practices (250+ lines)
│   ├─ Limitations (200+ lines)
│   └─ Examples (150+ lines)
│
├─→ VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md
│   (Implementation patterns)
│   ├─ Tape generation (Python/Bash/Go)
│   ├─ GitHub Actions workflows
│   ├─ CI/CD pipelines
│   ├─ Testing patterns
│   └─ Docker integration
│
└─→ VHS_RESEARCH_SUMMARY.md
    (Executive overview)
    ├─ Key findings
    ├─ Architecture insights
    ├─ Performance characteristics
    ├─ Risk assessment
    ├─ Tool comparison
    └─ Recommendations
```

---

## How to Use This Documentation

### Scenario 1: Quick Setup (5-15 minutes)
1. Read: VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md (Installation section)
2. Install using one-liner
3. Copy basic template
4. Test with simple example

### Scenario 2: GitHub Actions Setup (15-30 minutes)
1. Read: VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md (GitHub Actions section)
2. Copy workflow from: VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md (GitHub Actions section)
3. Customize for your repo
4. Commit and test

### Scenario 3: Full Implementation (1-2 hours)
1. Read: VHS_RESEARCH_SUMMARY.md (all sections)
2. Study: VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md (relevant sections)
3. Review: VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md (for your use case)
4. Plan implementation
5. Test locally

### Scenario 4: Advanced Usage (2+ hours)
1. Master: VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md (all sections)
2. Study: VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md (all sections)
3. Implement: Custom solutions
4. Optimize: Performance tuning

### Scenario 5: Team Presentation
1. Use: VHS_RESEARCH_SUMMARY.md (full document)
2. Supplement with: VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md (quick examples)
3. Share: VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md (for hands-on demo)

---

## Document Cross-References

### Tape Syntax
- Quick Reference: Tables
- Comprehensive: 500+ line reference with examples
- Code Examples: Integration with generators

### GitHub Actions
- Quick Reference: Basic workflow
- Comprehensive: 3 complete workflows
- Code Examples: 4 complete workflows with variations

### Testing
- Comprehensive: Testing section in best practices
- Code Examples: 3 testing examples

### Troubleshooting
- Quick Reference: Quick fixes
- Comprehensive: Detailed limitations and workarounds
- Summary: Risk assessment

---

## Print & Export Guide

### For Printing
- **Quick Reference:** 2-4 pages (fits standard printing)
- **Summary:** 3-5 pages (executive brief)
- **Comprehensive:** 15-20 pages (reference manual)
- **Code Examples:** 8-10 pages (implementation guide)

### For Sharing
- **GitHub:** Commit all documents to repository
- **Email:** Quick Reference as attachment
- **Wiki:** Use Comprehensive as main wiki page
- **Presentation:** Use Summary as slides

---

## Maintenance & Updates

**Next Review:** Q3 2026
**Last Updated:** January 28, 2026

**Update Triggers:**
- Major VHS version release (> 1.0 breaking changes)
- New GitHub Actions features
- New output formats
- Security updates
- Community feedback

---

## Related Tools & Resources

**Official Links:**
- GitHub: https://github.com/charmbracelet/vhs
- GitHub Action: https://github.com/charmbracelet/vhs-action
- Charm.sh: https://charm.sh

**Dependencies:**
- ttyd: https://github.com/tsl0922/ttyd
- ffmpeg: https://ffmpeg.org

**Community:**
- Discord: https://charm.sh/chat
- Twitter: @charmcli

---

## Document Versioning

| Version | Date | Changes |
|---------|------|---------|
| 1.0 | 2026-01-28 | Initial comprehensive research |

---

## For Questions

Refer to the appropriate document:
1. **"How do I...?"** → VHS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md
2. **"What's the syntax for...?"** → VHS_COMPREHENSIVE_RESEARCH.md
3. **"Show me code examples"** → VHS_CODE_EXAMPLES.md
4. **"Tell me about VHS"** → VHS_RESEARCH_SUMMARY.md

---

**Start Here:** Choose your scenario from above, then navigate to the appropriate document.

**Happy VHS Recording!** 📼
