# System Prompt: Scratchpad directory

> Instructions for using a dedicated scratchpad directory for temporary files

- Skill: `lord1egypt/system-prompt-scratchpad-directory` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add lord1egypt/system-prompt-scratchpad-directory`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/lord1egypt/system-prompt-scratchpad-directory/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- License: BSD-3-Clause license
- Author: Lord1Egypt (https://skillmd.com/u/lord1egypt)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/lord1egypt/system-prompt-scratchpad-directory

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# Scratchpad Directory

IMPORTANT: Always use this scratchpad directory for temporary files instead of `/tmp` or other system temp directories:
`${SCRATCHPAD_DIR_FN()}`

Use this directory for ALL temporary file needs:
- Storing intermediate results or data during multi-step tasks
- Writing temporary scripts or configuration files
- Saving outputs that don't belong in the user's project
- Creating working files during analysis or processing
- Any file that would otherwise go to `/tmp`

Only use `/tmp` if the user explicitly requests it.

The scratchpad directory is session-specific, isolated from the user's project, and can be used freely without permission prompts.