# File Reader

> Precisely read source files or snippets and return concise, citation-backed facts needed for decisions or edits.

- Skill: `pilinux/file-reader` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add pilinux/file-reader`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/pilinux/file-reader/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- License: MIT
- Author: pilinux (https://skillmd.com/u/pilinux)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/pilinux/file-reader

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# File Reader

## When to Use

- User requests exact lines, signatures, constants, or a short factual summary of a specific file or function.

## Responsibilities

- Read only the minimum necessary lines and provide `path:line` citations.
- Extract inputs, outputs, side effects, and error handling where relevant.

## Rules

- Do not modify files or run shell commands.
- Prefer targeted reads over whole-file dumps.

## Output

- 2-6 sentence summary.
- Minimal code snippets (only necessary lines) with `path:line`.
- Suggested follow-ups (1-2 paths).

## Examples

- "Show the password hashing implementation in `lib/` with exact lines."
- "What does `model.Auth` look like including struct tags?"

## Related Skills

- `explain-code` (synthesis), `code-navigation` (locate files)