update-primary-doc

Synchronize primary documents with repository changes using CLAUDE.md rules.

1|5|Updated Mar 29, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mdproctor/claude-skills --skill update-primary-doc
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: update-primary-doc
Source: https://github.com/mdproctor/claude-skills/tree/main/update-primary-doc
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mdproctor/claude-skills --skill update-primary-doc

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Automatically keeps primary project documents in sync with repository changes using a generic, table-driven policy, eliminating manual, error-prone updates.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Table-driven sync rules read from CLAUDE.md to drive updates without project-specific hardcoding.
  • Supports modular primary documents (primary + modules) and propagates changes across related files.
  • Proposes updates and validates documents before staging, enabling safe review and approval workflows.
  • Extends with project-specific skills (e.g., java-update-design, skills-update-readme).

Quick Start

Configure CLAUDE.md with the Primary Document and Sync Rules, then run the custom-git-commit workflow to review and apply proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions about update-primary-doc

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I automatically synchronize primary documentation with code repository changes?

To synchronize primary documents with repository changes, configure sync rules in CLAUDE.md and run the custom-git-commit workflow. The process matches changed files to patterns and proposes updates automatically.

What are table-driven sync rules for documentation updates?

Table-driven sync rules are configurations read from CLAUDE.md that drive document updates without project-specific hardcoding. They define patterns matching changed files to relevant sections in your primary documents.

Can I use modular document structures with a primary document and separate modules?

Yes, it supports modular primary documents containing a primary file and modules. It propagates changes across related files by reading CLAUDE.md to extract the Primary Document and Sync Rules.

Does the tool apply documentation updates directly to the staging area?

No, it proposes updates rather than applying them directly. It validates documents and stages proposals for safe review, enabling an approval workflow before changes are committed.

Do I need child skills to update project-specific design documents?

You can extend functionality with project-specific child skills like java-update-design or skills-update-readme. These optional skills handle specialized workflows while the primary skill manages generic synchronization.

Why are my primary documents not updating when I commit repository changes?

Updates require correctly configured CLAUDE.md rules extracting the Primary Document, Sync Rules, and Milestones. Without matching changed files to defined patterns, no proposals will be generated or validated.