pooch

Fetch and cache geoscience data files with hash verification and registries.

46|3|Updated Jan 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/SteadfastAsArt/geoscience-skills --skill pooch
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pooch
Source: https://github.com/SteadfastAsArt/geoscience-skills/tree/main/pooch
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/SteadfastAsArt/geoscience-skills --skill pooch

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires pooch, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Data file fetching and caching for geoscience applications. Download sample datasets with automatic caching, checksum verification, and multiple download sources. Use when Claude needs to: (1) Download datasets from URLs or DOIs, (2) Cache files locally with automatic verification, (3) Verify file integrity with SHA256/MD5 hashes, (4) Extract compressed archives (ZIP, TAR, GZIP), (5) Create data registries for reproducible workflows, (6) Fetch from Zenodo or other repositories.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Automatic caching of downloaded data with integrity checks
  • Multi-source downloads and registries for reproducible workflows
  • Archive extraction and data registry creation for reproducible analyses
  • Use Case: fetch a NetCDF climate file, verify it's intact, and register it for reuse

Quick Start

Create a registry with pooch.create(), then fetch a dataset using REGISTRY.fetch('filename.csv').

Frequently Asked Questions about pooch

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I cache and verify downloaded geoscience datasets for reproducible workflows?

To cache and verify geoscience datasets, create a registry with pooch.create(), then fetch files using REGISTRY.fetch('filename.csv') for automatic local caching and SHA256/MD5 hash verification.

How do I download data files from a DOI or Zenodo repository with integrity checks?

Downloading data files from a DOI or Zenodo repository with integrity checks is handled automatically by fetching datasets through a configured registry that verifies file hashes against known checksums.

Can I automatically extract compressed archives like ZIP, TAR, or GZIP after downloading data?

Yes, you can automatically extract compressed archives like ZIP, TAR, and GZIP after downloading data, as the fetching process supports optional archive extraction alongside checksum verification.

What's the best way to manage a data registry for reproducible dataset retrieval?

Managing a data registry for reproducible dataset retrieval is best achieved by defining multiple download sources and registering expected file hashes, ensuring files are verified and reused locally on subsequent fetches.

Does this approach work for fetching NetCDF climate files across diverse data formats?

Yes, this approach works for fetching NetCDF climate files and other diverse data formats by applying automatic hash verification and multi-source downloads to ensure file integrity regardless of format.

Why do I need SHA256 or MD5 hash verification when downloading sample datasets?

You need SHA256 or MD5 hash verification when downloading sample datasets to guarantee file integrity, prevent corrupted data from entering your analysis, and maintain strict reproducibility standards.