diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 6985cf1..936b60c 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -3,12 +3,12 @@
 debug/
 target/
 
+# The name I usually give to my testing project
+temp/
+
 # Remove Cargo.lock from gitignore if creating an executable, leave it for libraries
 # More information here https://doc.rust-lang.org/cargo/guide/cargo-toml-vs-cargo-lock.html
 Cargo.lock
 
 # These are backup files generated by rustfmt
 **/*.rs.bk
-
-# MSVC Windows builds of rustc generate these, which store debugging information
-*.pdb
diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index d1ed7ae..0f67a3a 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 [package]
-name = "project_initializer"
+name = "pi"
 version = "0.1.0"
 edition = "2021"
 
 # See more keys and their definitions at https://doc.rust-lang.org/cargo/reference/manifest.html
 
 [dependencies]
+clap = { version = "4.5.1", features = ["derive"] }
 colored = "2.1.0"
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8904ffa..8f480df 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,2 +1,52 @@
-# pi
-A CLI project initializer in Rust 
+# pi 
+
+A CLI project initializer written in Rust.
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+* [Installation](#installation)
+* [Usage](#usage)
+* [Contributing](#contributing)
+* [License](#license)
+* [Additional Information](#additional-information)
+
+## Installation
+
+[Install Rust](https://www.rust-lang.org/tools/install) if you haven't, then clone this repo and build using the following commands:
+
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/uptudev/pi
+cd ./pi
+cargo build --release
+```
+
+This will build your executable in the `./target/release/` folder, with the filename `pi` on Unix-like systems, and `pi.exe` on Windows. Simply move this file to wherever your OS pulls binaries from, and you can build projects with the `pi` command.
+
+## Usage
+
+The base initializer is run simply via `pi`, but if the project name and language are given, this can streamline the initialization process.
+
+**Tips:**
+
+* Break down instructions into logical steps.
+* Use bullet points for succinct explanations.
+* Consider creating a separate "Getting Started" guide for beginners.
+
+## Contributing
+
+**Outline your contribution guidelines.** Explain how users can contribute to your project, whether through code, bug reports, or documentation improvements. Specify preferred code style, pull request format, and testing procedures.
+
+## License
+
+**Specify the license under which your project is distributed.** Use clear and concise language, and link to the full license text in the `LICENSE` file.
+
+## Additional Information
+
+**Include any other relevant information you want to share.** This could be links to related projects, documentation, support channels, or your contact information.
+
+**Remember:**
+
+* Keep your README.md file concise and focused.
+* Use clear headings, formatting, and visuals for readability.
+* Update your README.md file regularly to reflect changes in your project.
+
diff --git a/notes b/notes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2dccf5f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/notes
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+IDEAS:
+
+migrate to a modular architecture with language functions being in their own folders for readability (libs.rs is getting a bit bloated)
+
+example file structure:
+./src/
+|-> main.rs
+|-> libs/
+    |-> base.rs     // contains query, routing, etc
+    |-> rust.rs
+    |-> js.rs
+    |-> ts.rs
+    |-> react.rs
+    |-> vue.rs
+    |-> svelte.rs
+    |-> mod.rs      // module declaration
diff --git a/src/libs.rs b/src/libs.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index f4d4a85..0000000
--- a/src/libs.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@
-use std::io::Write;
-
-pub fn query(prompt: &String, buffer: &mut String) {
-    print!("{}", prompt);
-    std::io::stdout().flush().expect("Error flushing buffer");
-    std::io::stdin()
-        .read_line(buffer)
-        .expect("Failed to read input to buffer");
-}
diff --git a/src/libs/base.rs b/src/libs/base.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d0572c5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/base.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,208 @@
+use std::io::Write;
+use colored::*;
+use std::{io::{stdout, Result}, process::Command, fs};
+use crate::libs::{
+    js, react, rust, svelte, ts, vue, zig
+};
+
+pub fn start(name: Option<String>, lang: Option<String>) {
+    let mag_colour_code = get_trailing_char();
+    let _ = 
+        Command::new("clear")
+        .status();
+    let mut buffer = String::new();
+    title();
+    check_directory(&mut buffer, &mag_colour_code);
+
+    // option destruction syntax is hot garbage ngl
+    let proj_name = if let Some(n) = name { 
+        n
+    } else {
+        get_project_name(&mut buffer, &mag_colour_code)
+    };
+    let lang = if let Some(l) = lang {
+        l
+    } else {
+        get_language(&mut buffer, &mag_colour_code)
+    };
+    route_response(&mut buffer, lang, &mag_colour_code, &proj_name);
+    stdout()
+        .flush()
+        .expect("Error flushing stdout.");
+}
+
+/// prints the title
+pub fn title() {
+    println!("{}", "┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑".black().dimmed());
+    println!(
+        "{} {} {} {} {}", 
+        "│".black().dimmed(), 
+        "Project Initializer".bold().underline(), 
+        "by".normal(), 
+        "uptu".bold().cyan(), 
+        "│".black().dimmed());
+    println!("{}", "┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙".black().dimmed());
+    println!("{}", "Please ensure you are in the parent directory of your intended project location before proceeding.".bold().red());
+    let cwd = std::env::current_dir()
+        .expect("Error getting CWD")
+        .as_path()
+        .as_os_str()
+        .to_str()
+        .unwrap()
+        .to_owned();
+    println!("{} {}","CWD:".purple().dimmed(), cwd.purple());
+}
+
+/// queries the user with a prompt, returning an owned String
+pub fn query(prompt: &String, buffer: &mut String, mag: &str) -> String {
+    print!("{}{}", prompt, mag);
+    std::io::stdout().flush().expect("Error flushing buffer");
+    std::io::stdin()
+        .read_line(buffer)
+        .expect("Failed to read input to buffer");
+    buffer.trim().to_owned()
+}
+
+/// Gets system magenta colour code via tput
+pub fn get_trailing_char() -> String {
+    let mut magenta_res = std::process::Command::new("tput");
+    magenta_res.args(["setaf", "5"]);
+    let res = magenta_res.output().unwrap();
+    String::from_utf8(res.stdout).unwrap()
+}
+
+/// queries the user to proceed after listing CWD
+pub fn check_directory(buffer: &mut String, mag: &str) {
+    let prompt = format!(
+        "{} ({}/{}): ", 
+        "Proceed?".yellow(),
+        "Y".bold().green(),
+        "N".red());
+
+    let response = query(&prompt, buffer, mag);
+    match response.as_str() {
+        "y" | "Y" | "" => println!(""),
+        "n" | "N" => clear_exit(),
+        _ => {
+            buffer.clear();
+            println!(
+                "{}; please enter {} or {}.", 
+                "Invalid response".bold().red(), 
+                "Y".bold().green(), 
+                "N".bold().red());
+            check_directory(buffer, mag);
+        },
+    }
+}
+
+fn clear_exit() {
+    let _ = 
+        std::process::Command::new("clear")
+        .status();
+    std::process::exit(0);
+}
+
+/// helper fn for get_language; handles queried response
+fn route_response(buffer: &mut String, response: String, mag: &str, proj_name: &String) {
+    match response.as_str() {
+        "ls" => list_languages(buffer, mag),
+        "rust" => rust::init(buffer, mag, proj_name),
+        "js" => js::init(buffer),
+        "ts" => ts::init(buffer),
+        "react" => react::init(buffer),
+        "vue" => vue::init(buffer),
+        "svelte" => svelte::init(buffer),
+        "zig" => zig::init(buffer),
+        _ => {
+            buffer.clear();
+            println!(
+                "{}; please enter a valid language.\n{} {} {}", 
+                "Invalid response".bold().red(), 
+                "(or type".black().dimmed(),
+                "ls".purple(),
+                "to list all valid languages)".black().dimmed());
+            get_language(buffer, mag);
+        },
+    }
+}
+
+/// query user for the project language, then run the corresponding language_init() function
+pub fn get_language(buffer: &mut String, mag: &str) -> String {
+    buffer.clear();
+    let prompt = format!(
+        "{} {} {}: ",
+        "What".yellow(),
+        "language".cyan().bold(),
+        "is this project for?".yellow());
+    query(&prompt, buffer, mag).to_lowercase()
+}
+
+/// called when 'ls' is given as a response to `get_language()`
+fn list_languages(buffer: &mut String, mag: &str) {
+    println!("{}",
+        "rust\njs\nts\nreact\nvue\nsvelte\n"
+        .blue()
+        .dimmed());
+    get_language(buffer, mag);
+}
+
+/// queries user for project name, returns an owned string
+pub fn get_project_name(buffer: &mut String, mag: &str) -> String {
+    buffer.clear();
+    let prompt = format!(
+        "{}{}: ",
+        "Please enter the ".yellow(), 
+        "project name".cyan().bold());
+    query(&prompt, buffer, mag).to_string()
+}
+
+/// creates a README.md in the target directory in a useful format
+pub fn gen_readme(proj_name: &String, dir: &std::path::Path) -> Result<()>{
+    let mut base_readme: String = r#"# 
+
+**[Short, memorable description of your project]**
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+* [Installation](#installation)
+* [Usage](#usage)
+* [Contributing](#contributing)
+* [License](#license)
+* [Additional Information](#additional-information)
+
+## Installation
+
+**Clearly describe how to install your project.** This may involve specifying dependencies, prerequisites, and build instructions. Use code blocks, links, and step-by-step guides for clarity.
+
+## Usage
+
+**Provide clear and concise instructions on how to use your project.** Explain its functionalities, features, and common use cases. Include examples, screenshots, or GIFs if helpful.
+
+**Tips:**
+
+* Break down instructions into logical steps.
+* Use bullet points for succinct explanations.
+* Consider creating a separate "Getting Started" guide for beginners.
+
+## Contributing
+
+**Outline your contribution guidelines.** Explain how users can contribute to your project, whether through code, bug reports, or documentation improvements. Specify preferred code style, pull request format, and testing procedures.
+
+## License
+
+**Specify the license under which your project is distributed.** Use clear and concise language, and link to the full license text in the `LICENSE` file.
+
+## Additional Information
+
+**Include any other relevant information you want to share.** This could be links to related projects, documentation, support channels, or your contact information.
+
+**Remember:**
+
+* Keep your README.md file concise and focused.
+* Use clear headings, formatting, and visuals for readability.
+* Update your README.md file regularly to reflect changes in your project.
+"#.to_string();
+    base_readme.insert_str(2, proj_name);
+    let mut file = fs::File::create(dir)?;
+    file.write_all(base_readme.as_bytes())
+}
diff --git a/src/libs/js.rs b/src/libs/js.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..780b959
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/js.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+pub fn init(buffer: &mut String) {
+    todo!("JavaScript init script needed");
+}
+
diff --git a/src/libs/mod.rs b/src/libs/mod.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d574f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/mod.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+pub mod base;
+pub mod js;
+pub mod react;
+pub mod rust;
+pub mod svelte;
+pub mod ts;
+pub mod vue;
+pub mod zig;
diff --git a/src/libs/react.rs b/src/libs/react.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..957f2cd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/react.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+pub fn init(buffer: &mut String) {
+    todo!("React init script needed");
+}
+
diff --git a/src/libs/rust.rs b/src/libs/rust.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ff627a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/rust.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+use colored::*;
+use crate::libs::base::{query, gen_readme};
+
+fn get_is_lib(buffer: &mut String, mag: &str) -> String {
+    buffer.clear();
+    let prompt = format!(
+        "{} {} {} {} {}: ",
+        "Is this a".yellow(),
+        "binary".cyan().bold(),
+        "or".yellow(),
+        "library".cyan().bold(),
+        "project?".yellow());
+    let response = query(&prompt, buffer, mag);
+    match response.as_str() {
+        "b" | "bin" | "binary" => "--bin".to_string(),
+        "l" | "lib" | "library" => "--lib".to_string(),
+        _ => get_is_lib(buffer, mag),
+    }
+}
+
+pub fn init(buffer: &mut String, mag: &str, proj_name: &String) {
+    let is_lib = get_is_lib(buffer, mag);
+    let cwd = std::env::current_dir()
+        .expect("Error getting CWD")
+        .as_path()
+        .as_os_str()
+        .to_str()
+        .unwrap()
+        .to_owned();
+    println!(
+        "{}{}{}{}{}", 
+        "Creating Rust project ".purple().dimmed(), 
+        proj_name.purple().bold(), 
+        " in ".purple().dimmed(), 
+        cwd.purple(), 
+        "...".purple().dimmed());
+    let mut handle = std::process::Command::new("cargo")
+        .args(["new", proj_name, &is_lib, "--quiet"])
+        .spawn()
+        .expect("Error spawning child process.");
+    let exit_status = handle.wait().unwrap();
+    let proj_dir = format!("./{}", proj_name);
+    let readme_dir = proj_dir + "/README.md";
+    let readme_path = std::path::Path::new(&readme_dir);
+    gen_readme(&proj_name, &readme_path).unwrap();
+    if exit_status.success() {
+        println!("{}", "Done!".green().bold());
+    }
+}
+
diff --git a/src/libs/svelte.rs b/src/libs/svelte.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60e0db1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/svelte.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+pub fn init(buffer: &mut String) {
+    todo!("Svelte init script needed");
+}
diff --git a/src/libs/ts.rs b/src/libs/ts.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..000c567
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/ts.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+pub fn init(buffer: &mut String) {
+    todo!("TypeScript init script needed");
+}
+
diff --git a/src/libs/vue.rs b/src/libs/vue.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce8b74a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/vue.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+pub fn init(buffer: &mut String) {
+    todo!("Vue init script needed");
+}
+
diff --git a/src/libs/zig.rs b/src/libs/zig.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..08d9220
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/libs/zig.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+pub fn init(buffer: &mut String) {
+    todo!("Zig init script needed");
+}
+
diff --git a/src/main.rs b/src/main.rs
index 7b99863..3a8359c 100644
--- a/src/main.rs
+++ b/src/main.rs
@@ -1,49 +1,44 @@
 mod libs;
+use libs::base::start;
+use clap::builder::styling::{AnsiColor, Effects, Styles};
+use clap::Parser;
 
-use libs::*;
-use colored::*;
+/* Argument parsing */
 
-fn main() {
-    let mut user_input = String::new();
-    title();
-    check_directory(&mut user_input);
+/// Help text styling
+fn styles() -> Styles {
+    Styles::styled()
+        .header(AnsiColor::Yellow.on_default() | Effects::BOLD)
+        .usage(AnsiColor::Yellow.on_default() | Effects::BOLD)
+        .literal(AnsiColor::Blue.on_default())
+        .placeholder(AnsiColor::Green.on_default())
 }
 
-fn title() {
-    println!("{}", "┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑".black().dimmed());
-    println!(
-        "{}{}{}{}{}", 
-        "│".black().dimmed(), 
-        " Project Initializer".bold(), 
-        " by".normal(), 
-        " uptu".bold().cyan(), 
-        " │".black().dimmed());
-    println!("{}", "┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙".black().dimmed());
-    println!("{}", "Please ensure you are in the correct directory and branch before proceeding.".bold().red());
-    let cwd = std::env::current_dir()
-        .expect("Error getting CWD")
-        .as_path()
-        .as_os_str()
-        .to_str()
-        .unwrap()
-        .to_owned();
-    println!("{}{}","CWD: ".dimmed(), cwd.purple());
+/// The --help string
+const HELP: &'static str = "\x1b[0;1;92;4mPi\x1b[0m is a CLI \x1b[34mproject initializer\x1b[0m which uses per-language build tools to create project directories populated with a full project template.";
+
+/// The arguments to be pushed to the rest of the program
+#[derive(Parser, Debug)]
+#[command(version, author = "\x1b[0;93muptu\x1b[0m, \x1b[33muptu@uptu.dev\x1b[0m", about = HELP, styles = styles(), long_about = None, next_line_help = true, help_template = "\
+{before-help}\x1b[1;95;4m{name}\x1b[0;95;4m {version}\x1b[0m
+{author-with-newline}
+{about-with-newline}
+{usage-heading} {usage}
+
+{all-args}{after-help}
+")]
+struct Args {
+    /// The name of the project
+    #[arg(name = "NAME", short = 'n', long = "name", verbatim_doc_comment)]
+    name: Option<String>,
+
+    /// The target language of the project
+    #[arg(name = "LANGUAGE", short = 'l', long = "lang", verbatim_doc_comment)]
+    lang: Option<String>,
 }
 
-fn check_directory(user_input_buffer: &mut String) {
-    let prompt = format!(
-        "{} ({}/{}): ", 
-        "Proceed?".yellow(),
-        "Y".bold().green(),
-        "N".red());
-    query(&prompt, user_input_buffer);
-
-    match &*(*user_input_buffer).trim() { // this line is disgusting
-        "y" | "Y" => println!(""),
-        "n" | "N" => return,
-        _ => {
-            user_input_buffer.clear();
-            check_directory(user_input_buffer);
-        },
-    }
+
+fn main() {
+    let args = Args::parse();
+    start(args.name, args.lang);
 }