read_file

Reads a file and returns its content and byte count in JSON.

32|9|Updated Feb 12, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/DotNetAge/mindx --skill read-file-dotnetage
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: read_file
Source: https://github.com/DotNetAge/mindx/tree/main/skills/read_file
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/DotNetAge/mindx --skill read-file-dotnetage

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires jq.

What problem does it solve?

Reading local files securely and returning their textual content along with basic metadata for downstream processing.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Read text files by providing an absolute or relative path.
  • Return a JSON payload containing success, path, content, and bytes_read.
  • Handle missing path and read-permission errors with clear, actionable messages.
  • Use Case: Inspect configuration files, review logs, or extract data from local documents in automation workflows.

Quick Start

Tell me the path to the file you want read and I will return its contents.

Frequently Asked Questions about read_file

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I read local file contents in a bash script and get the file size?

Read local file contents by providing a relative or absolute path to get a JSON payload containing the text content and bytes_read. This safely extracts data from local documents or configuration files for downstream processing.

What is the best way to read configuration files across macOS, Linux, and Windows?

Read configuration files across macOS, Linux, and Windows by supplying the file path and validating read permissions. The process returns a JSON payload containing the file content and bytes read.

How do I handle missing path or read-permission errors when reading local documents?

Handle missing path and read-permission errors with clear, actionable messages returned by the file reading process. It performs input validation to ensure the path exists and permissions allow reading before returning the content.

Does the file reading process return JSON output for automation workflows?

Yes, the file reading process returns JSON output including success status, path, content, and bytes_read. This structured JSON payload allows automation workflows to safely inspect logs or extract data.

Can I use jq to parse the JSON payload returned from reading a file?

Yes, you can use jq to parse the JSON payload returned from reading a file. The output includes structured JSON fields like content and bytes_read, making it fully compatible with jq for extracting specific text data.

Why do I need to provide a file path to inspect local logs?

You need to provide a file path to inspect local logs because the input validation requires an absolute or relative path to locate the file. Without a specified path, the process cannot check file existence or return the text content.