# Obsidian Local Dev Loop

> Configure Obsidian plugin development with hot-reload and fast iteration. Use when setting up development workflow, configuring test vaults, or establishing a rapid development cycle. Trigger with phrases like "obsidian dev loop", "obsidian hot reload", "obsidian development workflow", "develop obsidian plugin".

- Skill: `micsapp/obsidian-local-dev-loop` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add micsapp/obsidian-local-dev-loop`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/micsapp/obsidian-local-dev-loop/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Productivity
- License: MIT
- Author: micsapp (https://skillmd.com/u/micsapp)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/micsapp/obsidian-local-dev-loop

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# Obsidian Local Dev Loop

## Overview
Set up a fast, reproducible local development workflow for Obsidian plugins with hot-reload and testing.

## Prerequisites
- Completed `obsidian-install-auth` setup
- Node.js 18+ with npm/pnpm
- Code editor with TypeScript support
- Obsidian desktop app

## Instructions

### Step 1: Configure Development Vault

For full implementation details and code examples, load:
`references/implementation-guide.md`

## Output
- Dedicated development vault with test data
- Symlinked plugin for instant updates
- Hot-reload via BRAT or file watching
- Watch mode build with source maps
- Fast iteration cycle

## Error Handling
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| Plugin not reloading | BRAT not configured | Install and enable BRAT plugin |
| Symlink not working | Permission denied | Run as admin (Windows) |
| Build not triggering | Watch mode not started | Run `npm run dev` |
| Source maps not working | Disabled in config | Set `sourcemap: "inline"` |
| TypeScript errors | Missing types | Run `npm install` |

## Resources
- [BRAT Plugin](https://github.com/TfTHacker/obsidian42-brat)
- [esbuild Documentation](https://esbuild.github.io/)
- [Obsidian Plugin Development Docs](https://docs.obsidian.md/Plugins/Getting+started/Development+workflow)

## Next Steps
See `obsidian-sdk-patterns` for production-ready code patterns.

## Examples

**Basic usage**: Apply obsidian local dev loop to a standard project setup with default configuration options.

**Advanced scenario**: Customize obsidian local dev loop for production environments with multiple constraints and team-specific requirements.