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cairn-init

Scaffolds, repairs, or migrates cairn milestone-tracking files in a git repository.

4|Updated Jul 11, 2026
Search Tags:#git#project setup#claude code#migration#scaffold#milestone tracking#repair
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jmgirard/cairn --skill cairn-init-jmgirard
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cairn-init
Source: https://github.com/jmgirard/cairn/tree/main/skills/cairn-init
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jmgirard/cairn --skill cairn-init-jmgirard

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Setting up a consistent, agent-maintained project tracking system across repositories is repetitive and error-prone; this Skill adopts the cairn milestone-tracking system in any repo by scaffolding its files, migrating legacy tracking layouts, or repairing damaged installations. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Fresh scaffold: Creates the cairn/ directory tree (DESIGN.md, ROADMAP.md, DECISIONS.md, LESSONS.md, PROFILE.md, milestone and review archives), appends a CLAUDE.md section, and adds ignore entries. - Migration: Detects precursor tracking footprints (root-level MILESTONES.md/ROADMAP.md, older project/ layouts, repo-local milestone skills) and migrates them via a dedicated protocol. - Repair mode: Idempotently restores missing scaffold pieces, backfills missing toolchain profiles, and migrates deprecated scaffold names without overwriting user content. - Environment detection: Probes git, python3, and gh availability, detects the default branch, selects a toolchain profile (R package, Python, Docker image, or generic), and supports owner/guest collaboration modes. - Use Case: After cloning a new R package repo, run the init flow to get a governed tracking system with a roadmap, decision log, and CI path-ignore configuration in one pass. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to set up cairn tracking in this repository by running /cairn-init.

Frequently Asked Questions about cairn-init

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I set up milestone tracking in a new repository?▼

Run the cairn-init flow in the repo; it detects the toolchain (R package, Python, Docker image, or generic), scaffolds the cairn/ directory with ROADMAP.md, DESIGN.md, and related files, and commits the result on the default branch.

How do I migrate an existing ROADMAP.md or MILESTONES.md to cairn?▼

The init flow recognizes precursor footprints such as root-level MILESTONES.md, ROADMAP.md, or older project/ layouts and runs a migration protocol instead of a fresh scaffold. Unrecognized footprints trigger an interview rather than a guess.

Can I use cairn in a repo I only contribute to?▼

Yes. Guest mode keeps cairn/ local and uncommitted by adding it to .git/info/exclude, skips CLAUDE.md and .gitignore writes, and never pushes to the default branch. The mode is chosen via a prompt based on your GitHub permission level.

What happens if python3 or gh is not installed?▼

The environment check reports each gap with its degradation path. Missing python3 disables validation scripts and hooks, missing gh makes PR and merge gating manual, and only a missing git is fatal since cairn is git-based.

Is it safe to re-run cairn-init on an already tracked repo?▼

Yes, it is idempotent. Re-running enters repair mode, which restores missing scaffold pieces, backfills a missing PROFILE.md by inference, and migrates deprecated scaffold names without overwriting user-authored content.

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