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Manage Project Skills

From First Run to Project Workflow

skillx run is the fastest way to prove a skill is useful. skillx scan is where you validate that trust decision more explicitly. This guide is the next stage after both of those: moving from a one-off success to a project setup that teammates, CI, and future sessions can all share.

If run answered “does this help?” and scan answered “is this acceptable?”, the sequence below answers “how do we keep it around cleanly?” The usual order is:

  1. Create skillx.toml for the project with skillx init.
  2. Add and persist the skills you actually want with skillx install.
  3. Inspect what is currently installed with skillx list.
  4. Refresh installed skills over time with skillx update.
  5. Remove skills you no longer want with skillx uninstall.

1. Initialize the project

Start by creating a manifest in the repository root:

Terminal window
skillx init

If you already tested skills locally and want to capture that state, skillx init --from-installed can prefill the manifest from existing installations. See skillx init.

2. Install the skills you want to keep

Use skillx install when a skill should remain available instead of being cleaned up after one run:

Terminal window
skillx install github:skillx-run/skillx/examples/skills/code-review

This is the moment you move from ad hoc usage to repeatable project usage. See skillx install.

3. List and audit the current state

Check what is installed, where it is injected, and whether updates are available:

Terminal window
skillx list
skillx list --outdated

Use this as the quick health check for project skills. See skillx list.

4. Update deliberately

When upstream skills change, refresh them with:

Terminal window
skillx update

For safer review, start with skillx update --dry-run. See skillx update.

5. Remove what no longer belongs

If a skill is obsolete or was only needed for a temporary workflow:

Terminal window
skillx uninstall code-review

That keeps the manifest and installed state clean. See skillx uninstall.

When to Keep Using run

Project management commands do not replace skillx run. Use skillx run for:

  • Trying a new skill before deciding to keep it
  • Running a one-off task without changing project state
  • Comparing agent behavior quickly during evaluation

Once a skill becomes part of normal team workflow, shift to the manifest-driven flow above.

Where This Fits

  • Start with skillx run to prove the skill is useful in a real session
  • Use skillx scan when you want a clearer security review or CI gate
  • Use the commands in this guide when the skill should become part of the project’s steady-state setup