Does this skill handle directory creation?

Yes, the provided implementation patterns include logic to ensure directories are created with the correct permissions before the application attempts to write files to them.

What happens if XDG environment variables are not set?

The skill implements the official specification defaults, such as falling back to ~/.config for configuration, ~/.local/share for data, and ~/.cache for temporary files.

Why shouldn't I use ~/.appname for config files?

Storing files directly in the home directory causes 'home directory clutter.' Using XDG standards like ~/.config/appname keeps the user's environment organized and easier to back up.

Does this skill support Windows and macOS?

Yes, the skill includes implementation patterns for the platformdirs library, which maps XDG concepts to native Windows (%APPDATA%) and macOS (~/Library) directory conventions.

What is the XDG Base Directory Specification?

It is a standard for where applications should store user-specific configuration, data, and cache files on Unix-like operating systems to ensure consistency and a clean home directory.

XDG Base Directory Manager

Name: XDG Base Directory Manager
Author: Jamie-BitFlight

byJamie-BitFlight

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개발자 도구

Implements the XDG Base Directory Specification to standardize storage for application configuration, data, cache, and state files.

The XDG Base Directory Manager skill enables Claude to implement industry-standard directory structures for Linux, Unix, and cross-platform applications. By following the XDG Base Directory Specification (version 0.8), it ensures that user-specific files—such as settings, persistent data, and temporary caches—are stored in predictable, absolute paths rather than cluttering the home directory with legacy dotfiles. This skill provides Python implementation patterns, environment variable handling, and integration with libraries like platformdirs to maintain a clean and professional file system architecture for any CLI tool or software project.

주요 기능

01Provides absolute path validation and environment variable handling

02Offers cross-platform implementation patterns using platformdirs

0310 GitHub stars

04Ensures compliance with XDG Base Directory Specification v0.8

05Enables migration from legacy ~/.appname patterns to modern standards

06Standardizes storage paths for config, data, cache, and state files

사용 사례

01Building CLI tools that require clean, user-configurable storage paths

02Migrating existing Python applications from hardcoded home paths to XDG standards

03Implementing cross-platform file storage that respects OS-specific conventions

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add jamie-bitflight/claude_skills xdg-base-directory

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill