> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ona.com/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Bash commands > Run bash commands in sessions using the ! prefix Prefix any command with `!` to run it immediately and share the output with Ona Agent. The output becomes part of the session context, so the agent can reference it in responses. ``` !git status !npm test !cat src/config.js ``` Terminal showing bash commands executed with the ! prefix, displaying command output inline in the session ## What happens when you use `!` `!` is the fastest way to bring shell output into the conversation without asking the agent to decide which command to run. When you run a command this way: * the output becomes part of the chat context for the current session * the command result is shown directly in the session * you can immediately ask follow-up questions about the result ## When to use ! commands Use `!` when you want to share specific output with the agent: * **Share errors for debugging**: `!npm test` then ask "why is this failing?" * **Provide context**: `!cat package.json` before asking about dependencies * **Verify state**: `!git branch` before asking about branching strategy For complex multi-step operations, code changes, or open-ended analysis, ask the agent directly and let it run commands as needed. ## Good fits vs bad fits Good fits: * a single diagnostic command * a one-off log or file dump * a test run whose output you want the agent to interpret Less good fits: * long investigative workflows * commands that mutate the repo in ways you want the agent to manage * repeated shell sequences better handled by the agent itself or by an Automation ## Tips * Use short, targeted commands so the output stays readable in chat. * Prefer `!git status` or `!pytest -q` over huge recursive dumps. * If the output is noisy, run a narrower command and ask a more specific follow-up question.