protected-files
Zero-dependency bootstrap files that must never import npm packages or SDK code
Best for CLI maintainersWorks with GitHub
⌘source
- author
@bradygaster- language
- TypeScript
★2.2kstars
304forks
Apr 18, 2026
✦overview.md
Key Features
- ·Prevents CLI startup crashes
- ·Identifies specific protected bootstrap files
- ·Provides clear import restrictions
- ·Lists concrete file purposes
- ·Based on earned experience from actual crashes
Use Cases
- →When modifying files in the CLI core directory
- →During sweeping refactors like converting file system calls
- →When adding new bootstrap utilities to the CLI
Best for
- ✓CLI maintainers
- ✓Refactoring tasks
Not ideal for
- !General application code
- !Files outside the protected list
FAQs
name
protected-files
description
Zero-dependency bootstrap files that must never import npm packages or SDK code
domain:dependency-safety
confidence:high
source:earned — CLI startup crashes when bootstrap files import SDK code
Context
The CLI (squad-cli) has bootstrap utilities that run before the Squad SDK is loaded. If these files import SDK code (e.g., FSStorageProvider, anything from squad-sdk), the CLI breaks at startup — no helpful error, just a crash.
This skill applies when:
- Touching any file in
packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/ - Running sweeping refactors (e.g., "convert all
fscalls toStorageProvider") - Adding new bootstrap utilities
Protected File List
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/detect-squad-dir.ts | Finds .squad/ directory at startup — runs before SDK init |
packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/errors.ts | Error classes (SquadError, fatal()) — used by all CLI entry points |
packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/gh-cli.ts | GitHub CLI wrapper — uses only node:child_process and node:util |
packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/output.ts | Color/emoji console output — pure ANSI codes, zero imports |
packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/history-split.ts | Separates portable knowledge from project data — pure string logic |
Rules
$install
1-click copynpx skills add bradygaster/squad --skill protected-filesSafety assessment
★
Clarity score
How clear and easy to understand the SKILL.md instructions are, rated from 1 to 5.
5/ 5
excellentVery clear and well structured, with almost no room for misunderstanding.
◎
Actionability score
How directly an agent can act on the SKILL.md instructions, rated from 1 to 5.
5/ 5
very highHighly actionable with clear, concrete steps that an agent can follow directly.