# Read Then Edit

> read-then-edit

- Skill: `claudiawong522/read-then-edit` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add claudiawong522/read-then-edit`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/claudiawong522/read-then-edit/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: claudiawong522 (https://skillmd.com/u/claudiawong522)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/claudiawong522/read-then-edit

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# read-then-edit

Read a file to review its contents, then make edits to it.

# Read Then Edit

This skill combines reading a file first to understand its current state, then making targeted edits based on what you've learned.

## When to use this skill
- You need to understand a file's structure or current content before making changes
- You want to review code/text before modifying it
- You're making context-dependent edits that require knowing the full file

## Steps
1. **Read the file** - Use `/read <path>` to view the complete file contents
2. **Analyze** - Review the structure, format, and content to understand what needs changing
3. **Edit the file** - Use `/edit <path>` with your modifications, using the context from the read step

## Tips
- The read step gives you the full context needed to make precise edits
- Take note of indentation, formatting, and syntax when reviewing
- Structure your edit commands with clear markers (like `<<<` and `>>>`) to indicate where changes should go
- This two-step approach reduces errors compared to editing without reviewing first