/install-from-remote-library

Install From Remote Library

Goal

Install from a shared library repo without guessing, over-installing, or skipping the preview step.

Invariants

• Always inspect the remote library first with install <source> --list.
• Prefer --collection when the library clearly exposes a starter pack or focused bundle.
• Always run --dry-run before the real install.
• Keep the install small. Do not pull a whole library when the user only needs a narrow slice.

Workflow

1. Inspect the source library.

npx ai-agent-skills install <owner>/<repo> --list

2. Choose the smallest fitting target.

• Prefer --collection starter-pack or another named collection when it matches the user's need.
• Use --skill <name> only when the user needs one specific skill or the library has no useful collection.
• Do not combine --collection and --skill.

3. Preview the install plan before mutating anything.

npx ai-agent-skills install <owner>/<repo> --collection starter-pack --dry-run -p

or

npx ai-agent-skills install <owner>/<repo> --skill <skill-name> --dry-run -p

4. If the plan looks right, run the real install with the same scope.

npx ai-agent-skills install <owner>/<repo> --collection starter-pack -p

Decision Rules

• If the library has a curated collection that already matches the user's stack, use it.
• If the remote library is empty or the list output is unclear, stop and report that instead of guessing.
• If the install path throws an ERROR / HINT, surface that verbatim and follow the hint before retrying.
• If the user is exploring a large library, keep them in browse mode first rather than installing immediately.

Done

Return:

• what source library you inspected
• which collection or skill you chose
• the dry-run result
• the exact final install command you used