mage-hand

Apply surgical edits to files, records, or configs with before/after diffs.

105|13|Updated Mar 9, 2026

Search Tags:#idempotent #diff #version-control #audit-trail #safeguards #surgical-edit #config-patching

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/Hmbown/Wizards-of-the-Ghosts --skill mage-hand

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: mage-hand
Source: https://github.com/Hmbown/Wizards-of-the-Ghosts/tree/main/generated/hermes/actions-access-and-automation/mage-hand
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Hmbown/Wizards-of-the-Ghosts --skill mage-hand

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Performing edits in software projects often requires isolating changes so that unintended parts are unaffected and the history remains auditable. Mage Hand enables surgical modifications that touch only the intended file, key, or record with the smallest possible blast radius.

Core Features & Use Cases

Surgical edits: patch a single field, fix a typo, or update one record without touching surrounding data.
Audit trail and diffs: produce a clear before/after view and a record of exactly what changed.
Guardrails: validate scope and boundaries to prevent broad refactors or collateral edits.

Quick Start

Rename a single config field in a target file with a precise patch and show a before/after diff.

Frequently Asked Questions about mage-hand

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I apply a surgical edit to a config file without affecting surrounding data?▼

To apply a surgical edit to a config file, you patch a single field or record while leaving surrounding data intact. This approach uses precise tooling like sed or jq and delivers a before/after diff with validation before applying changes.

What is the best way to patch a specific database record and maintain an audit trail?▼

The best way to patch a database record while maintaining an audit trail is to isolate the modification to the targeted entry. This method produces a clear before/after view and records exactly what changed without triggering broad refactors.

Can I use targeted diffs to rename a single config field safely?▼

Yes, you can use targeted diffs to rename a single config field safely. The process validates scope boundaries to prevent collateral edits, ensuring the blast radius remains minimal and only the intended key is updated.

How does an idempotent config patching process work?▼

An idempotent config patching process works by applying targeted modifications that produce the same result regardless of how many times they run. It validates scope and boundaries beforehand to ensure only the intended file or record is modified.

When should I not use surgical edits for file modifications?▼

You should avoid surgical edits for file modifications when broad refactors are required across multiple files or records. This approach is designed for minimal blast radius, so complex changes affecting surrounding data may exceed its validation guardrails.

Do I need jq or sed to perform a surgical edit on a target file?▼

Yes, performing a surgical edit on a target file requires precise tooling such as jq, sed, or targeted diffs. These tools enable patching specific config values with minimal scope while generating a before/after diff for validation.