# Edit File

> Make targeted edits to a file by replacing specific text

- Skill: `tashfeenahmed/edit-file` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tashfeenahmed/edit-file`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tashfeenahmed/edit-file/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tashfeenahmed (https://skillmd.com/u/tashfeenahmed)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tashfeenahmed/edit-file

---


# Edit File Skill

Make targeted edits to a file by finding and replacing specific text.

## When to Use

Use the edit_file skill for:

- **Modifying code**: Change function implementations, fix bugs
- **Updating configs**: Change values in configuration files
- **Refactoring**: Rename variables, update imports
- **Precise edits**: Make specific changes without rewriting entire file

## Input Format

```json
{
  "path": "src/config.ts",
  "old_string": "const DEBUG = false;",
  "new_string": "const DEBUG = true;"
}
```

### Parameters

| Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|---------|-------------|
| `path` | string | Yes | - | Path to file (relative to workspace) |
| `old_string` | string | Yes | - | Exact text to find |
| `new_string` | string | Yes | - | Replacement text |
| `replace_all` | boolean | No | false | Replace all occurrences |

## Output Format

```json
{
  "success": true,
  "output": "Edited file: src/config.ts (1 replacement made)",
  "exitCode": 0
}
```

## Important Notes

1. **Exact match required**: `old_string` must match exactly (including whitespace)
2. **Unique match**: For single replacement, `old_string` should be unique in the file
3. **Include context**: If text isn't unique, include surrounding lines for context

## Examples

### Simple replacement

```json
{
  "path": "src/app.ts",
  "old_string": "const version = '1.0.0';",
  "new_string": "const version = '1.0.1';"
}
```

### Replace all occurrences

```json
{
  "path": "src/utils.ts",
  "old_string": "oldFunctionName",
  "new_string": "newFunctionName",
  "replace_all": true
}
```

### Multi-line replacement

```json
{
  "path": "src/component.tsx",
  "old_string": "function Button() {\n  return <button>Click</button>;\n}",
  "new_string": "function Button({ label }: { label: string }) {\n  return <button>{label}</button>;\n}"
}
```

## Security

- Paths are validated to stay within workspace
- Cannot edit system files
- File must exist (use write_file to create new files)