# Create Repo

> Create a new GitHub repository, scaffold a project, and push it. Use when the user describes a new project they want to build.

- Skill: `gastonmorixe/create-repo` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add gastonmorixe/create-repo`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/gastonmorixe/create-repo/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: gastonmorixe (https://skillmd.com/u/gastonmorixe)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/gastonmorixe/create-repo

---


# Skill: Create Repository & Scaffold Project

## Overview

This skill creates a new GitHub repo, scaffolds initial project files based on the user's description, pushes everything, and provides the user with next steps. All operations use the `GITHUB_PAT` environment variable for authentication.

## Prerequisites

- `GITHUB_PAT` environment variable must be set (validated by SessionStart hook)
- `GITHUB_USER` environment variable is set by the SessionStart hook
- Network access must be "Full internet" in the Claude Code Web environment

## Procedure

### 1. Parse the User's Request

Extract:
- **Project name** → sanitize to a valid GitHub repo name (lowercase, hyphens, no spaces)
- **Language / framework** → determines scaffold template
- **Description** → one-line for the GitHub repo description
- **Visibility** → default to `private` unless user says otherwise

### 2. Check if Repo Already Exists

```bash
HTTP_CODE=$(curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GITHUB_PAT" \
  -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" \
  "https://api.github.com/repos/$GITHUB_USER/<repo-name>")

if [ "$HTTP_CODE" = "200" ]; then
  echo "Repository already exists!"
fi
```

### 3. Create the Repository

**Option A: Bare repo with auto_init**

```bash
curl -sf -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GITHUB_PAT" \
  -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" \
  https://api.github.com/user/repos \
  -d '{
    "name": "<repo-name>",
    "description": "<description>",
    "private": true,
    "auto_init": true
  }'
```

**Option B: From a template repo (if templates exist)**

```bash
curl -sf -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GITHUB_PAT" \
  -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" \
  "https://api.github.com/repos/$GITHUB_USER/<template-repo>/generate" \
  -d '{
    "owner": "'$GITHUB_USER'",
    "name": "<repo-name>",
    "description": "<description>",
    "private": true
  }'
```

### 4. Wait for Repo Initialization

GitHub needs a moment after creation. Poll until the repo has at least one commit:

```bash
for i in $(seq 1 10); do
  COMMIT_COUNT=$(curl -sf \
    -H "Authorization: Bearer $GITHUB_PAT" \
    -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" \
    "https://api.github.com/repos/$GITHUB_USER/<repo-name>/commits?per_page=1" \
    | jq 'length')
  if [ "$COMMIT_COUNT" -gt 0 ]; then
    break
  fi
  sleep 2
done
```

### 5. Clone with PAT Auth

**CRITICAL:** Use PAT in the HTTPS URL. This bypasses the sandbox's scoped git proxy and authenticates directly.

```bash
cd /tmp
git clone "https://$GITHUB_PAT@github.com/$GITHUB_USER/<repo-name>.git"
cd <repo-name>
git config user.name "Claude"
git config user.email "noreply@anthropic.com"
```

### 6. Scaffold the Project

Generate project files based on the user's description. Common scaffolds:

**For any project — always create:**
- `README.md` — project name, description, setup instructions
- `.gitignore` — language-appropriate
- `CLAUDE.md` — coding standards, build commands, architecture notes

**Language-specific scaffolding:**

Use your knowledge to create appropriate project structure. Some examples:

- **Swift/iOS**: Xcode project structure, Package.swift for SPM, or basic source layout
- **TypeScript/Node**: `package.json`, `tsconfig.json`, `src/index.ts`
- **Ruby**: `Gemfile`, `lib/` directory, `.ruby-version`
- **C/C++**: `CMakeLists.txt` or `Makefile`, `src/`, `include/`
- **React/Web**: Vite or Next.js scaffold
- **Python**: `pyproject.toml`, `src/` package, `requirements.txt`

### 7. Commit and Push

```bash
git add -A
git commit -m "Initial scaffold: <short description>"
git push "https://$GITHUB_PAT@github.com/$GITHUB_USER/<repo-name>.git" main
```

### 8. Clean Up

Remove the cloned directory to avoid leaking the PAT (it's in `.git/config`):

```bash
cd /
rm -rf "/tmp/<repo-name>"
```

### 9. Report to User

Provide:
```
✅ Repository created: https://github.com/<user>/<repo-name>

📁 Scaffolded files:
  - README.md
  - CLAUDE.md
  - .gitignore
  - <list other files>

🚀 Next steps:
  1. Open Claude Code: https://claude.ai/code
  2. Select repository: <repo-name>
  3. Describe what you want to build — Claude will have the scaffold ready

💡 Or continue here if you want me to add more files before you switch.
```

## Error Handling

- **PAT invalid/expired**: Tell user to update `GITHUB_PAT` in their environment settings
- **Repo name taken**: Suggest alternatives (append `-2`, date suffix, etc.)
- **Network unreachable**: Verify environment is set to "Full internet access"
- **Push rejected**: Check if repo was actually initialized (needs at least one commit)

## Security Notes

- Never `echo $GITHUB_PAT` or write it to committed files
- The PAT appears in `.git/config` of the cloned repo — always `rm -rf` after push
- Never commit `.git/config` or any file containing the PAT
- The PAT is scoped to the user's GitHub account — treat it like a password