# Read Multiple Files

> Read the contents of multiple files simultaneously. This is more efficient than reading files one by one when you need to analyze or compare multiple files. Each file's content is returned with its path as a reference. Failed reads for individual files won't stop the entire operation. Only works within allowed directories.

- Skill: `xiaobai1017/read-multiple-files` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add xiaobai1017/read-multiple-files`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/xiaobai1017/read-multiple-files/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: xiaobai1017 (https://skillmd.com/u/xiaobai1017)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/xiaobai1017/read-multiple-files

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# Read Multiple Files

Read the contents of multiple files simultaneously. This is more efficient than reading files one by one when you need to analyze or compare multiple files. Each file's content is returned with its path as a reference. Failed reads for individual files won't stop the entire operation. Only works within allowed directories.

## Purpose

This skill provides access to the MCP tool `read_multiple_files`. It allows you to read the contents of multiple files simultaneously. this is more efficient than reading files one by one when you need to analyze or compare multiple files. each file's content is returned with its path as a reference. failed reads for individual files won't stop the entire operation. only works within allowed directories..

## Parameters

The tool accepts the following parameters:

### `paths`
**Required**
- **Type**: `array`
- **Description**: Array of file paths to read. Each path must be a string pointing to a valid file within allowed directories.


## Usage Instructions

To use this tool:

1. **Prepare the parameters** according to the schema above
2. **Invoke the MCP tool** `read_multiple_files` with the prepared parameters
3. **Process the result** returned by the tool

## Example

```json
{
  "paths": {}
}
```

## Expected Output

The tool returns data with the following structure:

- **content** (`string`): No description provided


## Notes

- This skill requires an active MCP connection to the server providing the `read_multiple_files` tool
- Ensure the MCP server is properly configured and running before attempting to use this tool
- Review the parameter requirements carefully to avoid errors