nova-schema

Manage NovaDB meta/schema types with safe CRUD workflows and impact analysis.

Updated Feb 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/novadb/claude-plugins --skill nova-schema
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: nova-schema
Source: https://github.com/novadb/claude-plugins/tree/main/consulting/skills/nova-schema
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/novadb/claude-plugins --skill nova-schema

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a comprehensive, safety-first reference and workflow for creating, reading, updating, and deleting NovaDB meta/schema objects (typeRef < 8192). It addresses the risk of accidental infrastructure or UI breakage by prescribing discovery, impact analysis, confirmation, and verification steps before any write or delete operation.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Meta-type catalog: Enumerates all schema meta-types (typeRef < 8192) and their protection levels so consultants and engineers can identify editable targets.
  • Discovery & inspection: Step-by-step patterns to list typed instances, inspect objects, find forms that reference attributes, and discover which types use a form.
  • Impact analysis: Pre-change checks using index searches, counts, and XML reference checks to list dependent forms, types, and data object counts.
  • Safe CRUD workflows: Detailed create, update, and delete procedures that require numeric branch IDs, prohibit editing core objects (ID < 500), handle multi-value attribute merging, and require explicit user confirmation for each write or deletion.
  • Use case: Prepare and safely apply an attribute definition update while reporting every dependent form and counting affected data objects before execution.

Quick Start

Use this skill to prepare and execute a careful update to an attribute definition on a named numeric branch with full impact analysis and explicit confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions about nova-schema

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I safely update a NovaDB schema attribute without breaking dependent forms?

Safely updating a NovaDB schema attribute requires running impact analysis via index searches and reference checks to list dependent forms and data objects. The workflow mandates a numeric branch ID and explicit user confirmation before executing any write operations.

What is schema impact analysis in NovaDB and when do I need it?

Schema impact analysis in NovaDB is the pre-change process of using index searches and XML reference checks to identify dependent types, forms, and data object counts. You need it before any create, update, or delete operation to prevent accidental infrastructure or UI breakage.

Can I delete meta-types and schema objects directly on a named branch in NovaDB?

You cannot directly delete NovaDB meta-types and schema objects without explicit user confirmation. Deletions require a numeric branch ID, strictly prohibit editing core objects with an ID less than 500, and mandate pre-delete discovery and reference checks.

How do I discover which NovaDB forms reference a specific schema attribute?

To discover which NovaDB forms reference a specific schema attribute, you use NovaDB CMS and Index API calls. This discovery process involves inspecting typed instances and performing XML reference checks to accurately list all dependent forms before modifications.

Are there limitations on which NovaDB schema types can be managed for CRUD operations?

Yes, NovaDB schema CRUD operations are limited exclusively to meta-object schema types with a typeRef less than 8192. Additionally, the workflow strictly prohibits editing or deleting core objects that have an ID below 500 to maintain system stability.