# pi-ask-user

A locally maintained Pi extension that consolidates the upstream `question.ts` and `questionnaire.ts` examples into one model-initiated tool. It intentionally does not include the `/qna` command.

## Tool

The extension registers `ask_user_question`. The model can present one to eight questions through an interactive Pi UI:

- `select`: one to eight stable `{ value, label, description? }` choices, always followed by a free-form choice that the model cannot disable;
- `text`: a free-form answer;
- `required: false`: lets the user explicitly skip the question;
- TUI mode: one sequential custom interaction with progress tabs and a final review page;
- RPC mode: standard Pi `select` / `input` dialogs shown one question at a time by compatible clients such as Paseo.

The model should call the tool only when a missing decision, preference, or clarification is needed to continue. It should not repeat questions already answered in the user's direct messages.

## TUI controls

- `↑` / `↓`: move through choices;
- `Enter`: select, edit, or submit;
- `Tab`, `Shift+Tab`, `←`, `→`: move between questions and review;
- `Esc`: leave text entry, or cancel from a question/review page.

The outer component propagates focus to the embedded Editor for IME cursor positioning.

RPC clients use their native dialog controls. Dismissing a dialog or aborting the tool returns `cancelled: true`; required blank text is requested again, while optional blank text is recorded as an explicit skip.

## Result contract

Successful results include readable text and structured `details`:

```json
{
  "version": 1,
  "cancelled": false,
  "questions": [],
  "answers": [
    {
      "id": "language",
      "question": "Which language should be used?",
      "type": "select",
      "answer": "TypeScript",
      "value": "typescript",
      "label": "TypeScript",
      "custom": false,
      "skipped": false
    }
  ]
}
```

The tool name and the `question` / `answer` fields intentionally match `pi-permission-system`'s integrated AutoReview trusted structured user-interaction envelope. Cancelled results are never treated as authorization evidence.

The tool requires dialog-capable interactive UI. TUI mode uses the custom questionnaire, RPC mode uses Pi's standard extension UI bridge, and JSON/print modes receive a tool error rather than an invented answer.

## Development

```sh
npm test
npm run check
```

See `UPSTREAM.md` for the imported reference snapshot and local differences.