file_reader

Read and summarize content from local text-based files.

Updated Aug 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ProwlrBot/prowlrbot --skill file-reader-prowlrbot
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: file_reader
Source: https://github.com/ProwlrBot/prowlrbot/tree/main/src/prowlrbot/ext/skills/file_reader
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ProwlrBot/prowlrbot --skill file-reader-prowlrbot

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps users quickly read and summarize content from local text-based files, reducing manual scanning of large documents.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Read common text formats such as .txt, .md, .json, .yaml/.yml, .csv/.tsv, .log, .sql, .ini, .toml, .py, .js, .html, and .xml.
  • For JSON/YAML, list top-level keys and important fields; for CSV/TSV, show header row plus a sample of rows and provide a concise summary.
  • Large logs: when files are large, fetch a meaningful window (e.g., tail) and summarize recent errors or notable patterns.
  • Out of scope: PDFs, Office documents, images, audio, and video. Use dedicated skills/tools for those formats.
  • Safety and best practices: never execute untrusted files; prefer reading the smallest portion necessary and avoid exposing secrets.

Quick Start

Ask the agent to read a local text file and return a concise summary.

Frequently Asked Questions about file_reader

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I summarize large text files and extract key information automatically?

To summarize text files automatically, this skill reads local documents like .txt, .md, and .log to fetch meaningful content windows and deliver concise summaries of recent errors or notable patterns.

What is the best way to read and summarize content from JSON and YAML files?

Reading and summarizing JSON and YAML files involves fetching the content to list top-level keys and important fields, providing a concise summary of the file's structure and data.

Can I extract headers and sample rows from CSV or TSV files without manual scanning?

Yes, you can extract CSV or TSV data by showing the header row plus a sample of rows, and the tool provides a concise summary to help you understand the tabular data quickly.

Does this file reading approach work with PDFs and Office documents?

No, this file reading approach does not work with PDFs, Office documents, images, audio, or video; it is strictly limited to text-based formats and source code files.

How do I read local source code files like .py, .js, and .html for quick summaries?

Reading local source code files like .py, .js, and .html uses the tool to fetch the content and deliver key excerpts or concise summaries, reducing manual scanning of the codebase.

What should I avoid when reading untrusted text files?

When reading untrusted text files, you should never execute them and prefer reading the smallest portion necessary to avoid exposing secrets, ensuring safe content processing.