reference-submodules

Manage external context repositories as shallow git submodules with version tags.

1|Updated Jul 22, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #git #documentation #context #dependencies #submodules

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/wyattjoh/skills --skill reference-submodules

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: reference-submodules
Source: https://github.com/wyattjoh/skills/tree/main/skills/reference-submodules
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/wyattjoh/skills --skill reference-submodules

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill solves the challenge of keeping local documentation and context repositories in sync with project dependencies, ensuring that reference material is always available offline and accurately tracked.

Core Features & Use Cases

Automated Submodule Management: Handles adding, upgrading, and removing git submodules within the .claude/references/ directory.
Version Synchronization: Automatically pins submodules to the specific version tags matching your project's dependencies.
Documentation Integrity: Keeps the Dependency References table in your CLAUDE.md file automatically updated whenever references change.

Quick Start

Ask the agent to add a specific repository as a reference submodule by providing the repository URL.

Frequently Asked Questions about reference-submodules

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I keep git submodules in sync with my project dependencies?▼

Git submodules are managed by automatically pinning external context repositories to the specific version tags matching your project dependencies. This ensures your local documentation and reference material stay accurately tracked and available offline.

How do I add a reference repository as a git submodule?▼

To add a reference submodule, ask the agent to add a specific repository by providing the repository URL. The skill automatically handles adding, upgrading, and removing the submodule within the .claude/references/ directory.

Do I need gh CLI to manage private repository submodules?▼

Gh CLI is optional but required for private repository tag resolution. The skill needs git 2.13 or higher to operate, and uses gh CLI access to resolve version tags for private dependencies.

What's the best way to automate updating documentation for git submodules?▼

Automating submodule documentation is handled by maintaining a synchronized Dependency References table in your CLAUDE.md file. The table updates automatically whenever references are added, upgraded, or removed.

Why use shallow git submodules for offline context repositories?▼

Shallow git submodules ensure offline availability for local documentation while maintaining version alignment with project dependencies. This approach minimizes repository size while keeping reference material accessible without network connectivity.

Can I use this skill to remove outdated git submodules from my documentation?▼

Yes, removing outdated git submodules is supported alongside adding and upgrading. The skill automatically updates the .gitmodules file and removes the corresponding entries from the Dependency References table in your project documentation.