cairn

Manage a persistent markdown knowledge vault with structured ingest, indexing, and query workflows.

Updated Apr 15, 2026

Search Tags:#markdown #query #lint #ingest #wikilinks #knowledge-vault #cairn

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/JustinBeaudry/cairn --skill cairn

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cairn
Source: https://github.com/JustinBeaudry/cairn/tree/main/skills/cairn
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/JustinBeaudry/cairn --skill cairn

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Cairn provides a persistent memory vault to orchestrate ingest, indexing, and querying of markdown documents for Claude Code, reducing context-switching and manual state management.

Core Features & Use Cases

Ingest sources: copy provenance to raw/, auto-generate wiki pages, and cascade updates across related pages.
Query and lint workflows: navigate indexed content with citations, identify dead links, and improve vault health.
Structured metadata: enforce frontmatter conventions and backlinks to support robust vaults.

Quick Start

Initialize Cairn in your project to create a persistent vault, ingest a source, and begin indexing and linting automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions about cairn

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I manage a persistent knowledge vault for markdown notes in Claude Code?▼

You can manage a persistent knowledge vault by using structured ingest, indexing, and query workflows to organize markdown notes, maintain provenance, and retrieve information with citations.

How do I ingest markdown sources and maintain provenance for wiki pages?▼

Ingest markdown sources by copying provenance to a raw directory, auto-generating wiki pages with frontmatter, and cascading updates across related pages to keep the vault synchronized.

Can I lint a markdown knowledge vault to identify dead links and improve vault health?▼

Yes, you can lint a markdown knowledge vault to navigate indexed content with citations, identify dead links, and run automated vault health checks to maintain structural integrity.

Does Cairn work without any external dependencies for indexing markdown documents?▼

Yes, Cairn operates without external dependencies, relying on internal workflows to index markdown documents, enforce frontmatter conventions, and maintain backlinks for robust knowledge retrieval.

What is the best way to query indexed markdown content with citations in Claude Code?▼

The best way to query indexed markdown content is to use the built-in query workflows that navigate the structured vault and retrieve information rapidly with direct citations.

When do I need frontmatter-driven wiki pages and cross-linking for my notes?▼

You need frontmatter-driven wiki pages and cross-linking when your team requires structured metadata, provenance tracking, and robust backlinks to support rapid retrieval of markdown knowledge.