about-dots

Documents the Dots dotfiles workflow with symlinks.yml and the dots CLI.

Updated Jun 17, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/nikbrunner/dots --skill about-dots
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: about-dots
Source: https://github.com/nikbrunner/dots/tree/main/common/.agents/skills/about-dots
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/nikbrunner/dots --skill about-dots

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Dots dotfiles management context explains how the symlink-based dotfiles system loads and adapts when dotfiles, the dots repo, or machine configuration comes online.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Documents the Dots dotfiles workflow, including the central symlinks.yml configuration and cross-platform behavior.
  • Describes how the dots CLI coordinates linking, dependencies, and environment setup across macOS and Arch Linux.
  • Serves as a reference for onboarding new machines or developers to understand the dotfiles deployment.

Quick Start

Invoke this context to load the Dots dotfiles management background when the dotfiles environment initializes.

Frequently Asked Questions about about-dots

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I manage dotfiles across macOS and Arch Linux using symlinks?

A central symlinks.yml configuration defines symlinked files, and the dots CLI coordinates linking and environment setup across macOS and Arch Linux. This workflow adapts dotfiles automatically when the machine configuration initializes.

What is a central symlinks.yml configuration for dotfile management?

A central symlinks.yml configuration is a structured file that defines symlinked dotfiles for cross-platform environments. It allows the dots CLI to coordinate linking, dependencies, and environment setup across macOS and Arch Linux.

How do I onboard a new machine to an existing dotfiles deployment?

To onboard a new machine, invoke the Dots dotfiles context during environment initialization. The dots CLI reads the central symlinks.yml to coordinate linking and dependency setup across macOS or Arch Linux.

Does the dots CLI handle dependency setup as well as file linking?

Yes, the dots CLI handles dependency setup alongside file linking. It coordinates both linking and environment setup by reading definitions from the central symlinks.yml configuration file.

What is the best way to automate dotfiles deployment on multiple operating systems?

The best way to automate cross-platform dotfiles deployment is using a symlink-based system driven by a central symlinks.yml file. The dots CLI manages the linking and environment setup across macOS and Arch Linux.