vars-expand

A zero-dependency template transpiler that performs shell-like variable expansion with support for default values, alternate values, and substitution operators (:- :- :+ + :? ? etc.). Inspired by Bash's Shell Parameter Expansion syntax. Current stable version is 0.0.3, released infrequently. Key differentiators: lightweight (no dependencies), TypeScript-first with bundled typings, and full support for POSIX-style expansion patterns. Unlike general template engines (e.g., Handlebars), it strictly mirrors shell semantics, making it ideal for CI/CD pipelines, configuration loaders, and environment variable interpolation.