# File Operations

> File operations skill. Use when the user asks to create, read, edit, list, or delete files, or to explore the project directory structure.

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

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# File Operations

This skill teaches how to operate on local files using the built-in tools.

## When to Use

Load this skill when:

- Creating, reading, editing, or deleting files
- Listing a directory's contents
- Exploring the project structure
- Writing or updating documentation

## Instructions

To operate on files, use the available tools directly:

1. **List a directory**: use `list_files` with the directory path.
   - Relative paths resolve from the project root.
   - Example: `{"path": "."}` lists the project root.

2. **Read a file**: use `read_file` with the file path.
   - Example: `{"path": "README.md"}` reads the README.

3. **Write a file**: use `write_file` with `path` and `content`.
   - Parent directories are created automatically.
   - Example: `{"path": "notes/hello.txt", "content": "Hello world"}`.

4. **Delete a file**: use `delete_file` with the file path.

## Best Practices

- Always list a directory before assuming what files exist.
- Never fabricate file contents — use `read_file` to check.
- When the user asks to "create" a project, write real files and report the paths.
- If the scope is limited to the project directory and the user asks for a path outside it, explain the limitation instead of failing silently.

## Example Workflow

To create a small project scaffold:

1. `list_files` → check the current structure
2. `write_file` for each new file
3. `list_files` again to confirm

Always report what was created/modified with the full paths.