---
name: skill-installer
description: Install VT Code skills into ~/.agents/skills from a curated list or a GitHub repo path. Use when a user asks to list installable skills, install a curated skill, or install a skill from another repo, including private repos.
metadata:
short-description: Install curated skills from openai/skills or other repos
---
# Skill Installer
Helps install skills. By default these are from <https://github.com/openai/skills/tree/main/skills/.curated>, but users
can also provide other locations.
Use the helper scripts based on the task:
- List curated skills when the user asks what is available, or if the user uses this skill without specifying what to
do.
- Install from the curated list when the user provides a skill name.
- Install from another repo when the user provides a GitHub repo/path (including private repos).
Install skills with the helper scripts.
## Communication
- Start by confirming the task and running the appropriate command.
- If something fails, report the exact error and ask what to do next.
- Say only what is necessary.
## Scripts
### List Curated Skills
Show available skills from the curated list:
```bash
scripts/list-curated-skills.py
```
Optional: specify a different repo or path:
```bash
scripts/list-curated-skills.py --repo owner/repo --path skills/path --ref branch
```
Output formats:
- Default: numbered list with installation status
- JSON: `--format json` for programmatic use
### Install from Curated List
Install a skill by name from the curated list:
```bash
scripts/install-skill-from-github.py <skill-name>
```
The skill will be installed to `~/.agents/skills/<skill-name>/`.
### Install from Any GitHub Repo
Install skills from any GitHub repository:
```bash
scripts/install-skill-from-github.py owner/repo path/to/skill
```
For private repos, ensure `gh` CLI is authenticated or `GITHUB_TOKEN` is set.
Install multiple skills from the same repo:
```bash
scripts/install-skill-from-github.py owner/repo path/to/skill1 path/to/skill2
```
## Behavior and Options
### Installation Location
Skills are installed to `~/.agents/skills/` by default.
### Private Repositories
For private repositories:
1. Ensure GitHub CLI (`gh`) is installed and authenticated: `gh auth login`
2. Or set the `GITHUB_TOKEN` environment variable
### Overwriting Existing Skills
If a skill with the same name already exists, the installer will:
1. Warn about the existing skill
2. Ask for confirmation before overwriting
3. Back up the existing skill before replacement
### Validation
Before installing, the script validates:
- SKILL.md exists and has valid frontmatter
- Skill name follows naming conventions
- No invalid or dangerous file patterns
## Notes
- Skills installed from GitHub are placed in the User scope.
- After installation, the skill is immediately available in the current session.
- Use `/skills list` to verify installation.
- Use `/skills load <skill-name>` to activate the skill.