Package manager for Claude Code skills and agents and other AI related resources
git clone https://github.com/mensfeld/craftdesk ~/.claude/skills/craftdesk# CraftDesk CLI
> **Dependency management for AI capabilities** - Install, manage, and version control your Claude Code skills, agents, commands, hooks, and plugins.
The command-line interface for managing your Coding AI capabilities. Similar to npm for JavaScript or bundler for Ruby, CraftDesk CLI provides a complete package management solution for AI-powered development tools.
[](https://www.npmjs.com/package/craftdesk)
[](https://github.com/mensfeld/craftdesk/actions/workflows/ci.yml)
[](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT)
---
## What is CraftDesk?
CraftDesk is a package manager for AI capabilities used in Claude Code and other AI development environments. It allows you to:
- **Install AI skills, agents, commands, hooks, and plugins** from git repositories or registries
- **Plugin system** - Bundle multiple crafts with automatic dependency resolution
- **Lock versions** for reproducible environments across teams
- **Manage dependencies** with automatic recursive installation
- **Support monorepos** with subdirectory extraction
- **Auto-convert GitHub URLs** - paste any GitHub URL (tree/blob)
- **Direct file references** - install single files from repositories
- **Settings integration** - Automatic registration in `.claude/settings.json`
- **MCP server support** - Configure Model Context Protocol servers via plugins
Think of it as:
- **npm** for Node.js → **CraftDesk** for AI capabilities
- **Bundler** for Ruby → **CraftDesk** for Claude tools
- **Cargo** for Rust → **CraftDesk** for AI agents
> **Note:** A self-hosted registry server is currently under development and will be available soon, enabling private registries and centralized craft distribution.
---
## Quick Start
### Install CraftDesk
```bash
npm install -g craftdesk
```
Verify installation:
```bash
craftdesk --version
# 0.3.0
```
**Requirements:** Node.js >= 18.0.0, Git, npm or yarn
### 1. Initialize a New Project
```bash
mkdir my-ai-project
cd my-ai-project
craftdesk init
```
This creates a `craftdesk.json` file:
```json
{
"name": "my-ai-project",
"version": "1.0.0",
"type": "skill",
"dependencies": {}
}
```
### 2. Add Dependencies
```bash
# Add a single skill file from GitHub (auto-converts web URLs)
craftdesk add https://github.com/aviflombaum/rspec-rails-agents/blob/main/rspec-dry-agent.md
# Add from git repository
craftdesk add git+https://github.com/aviflombaum/rspec-rails-agents.git
# Add from monorepo subdirectory
craftdesk add https://github.com/technicalpickles/pickled-claude-plugins/tree/main/plugins/working-in-monorepos/skills/working-in-monorepos
# Add with explicit type
craftdesk add https://github.com/aviflombaum/rspec-rails-agents/blob/main/rspec-dry-agent.md --type agent
```
### 3. Install Everything
```bash
craftdesk install
```
This installs all dependencies to `.claude/` directory and creates `craftdesk.lock`.
### 4. View Installed Crafts
```bash
craftdesk list
```
Output:
```
my-ai-project@1.0.0
Installed crafts:
• my-skill@main (skill)
• custom-agent@main (agent)
Total: 2 crafts installed
```
---
## Table of Contents
- [What is CraftDesk?](#what-is-craftdesk)
- [Quick Start](#quick-start)
- [Core Concepts](#core-concepts)
- [Plugin System](#plugin-system)
- [Command Reference](#command-reference)
- [init](#craftdesk-init-options)
- [install](#craftdesk-install-options)
- [add](#craftdesk-add-craft-options)
- [remove](#craftdesk-remove-craft)
- [list](#craftdesk-list-options)
- [search](#craftdesk-search-query-options)
- [info](#craftdesk-info-craft)
- [outdated](#craftdesk-outdated)
- [update](#craftdesk-update-craft)
- [publish](#craftdesk-publish-options)
- [Authentication](#authentication)
- [login](#craftdesk-login-options)
- [logout](#craftdesk-logout-options)
- [whoami](#craftdesk-whoami-options)
- [Dependency Sources](#dependency-sources)
- [Monorepo Support](#monorepo-support)
- [craftdesk.json Reference](#craftdeskjson-reference)
- [craftdesk.lock](#craftdesklock)
- [CI/CD Integration](#cicd-integration)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- [Development](#development)
- [Documentation](#documentation)
---
## Core Concepts
### Crafts
A **craft** is any AI capability:
- **Skill** - Knowledge domain (e.g., ruby-on-rails, postgres-expert)
- **Agent** - Autonomous task executor (e.g., code-reviewer, test-runner)
- **Command** - Slash command (e.g., /deploy, /analyze)
- **Hook** - Event handler (e.g., pre-commit, post-install)
- **Plugin** - Bundle of multiple crafts with dependencies and MCP server configuration
### Manifest File: craftdesk.json
Declares your project's dependencies:
```json
{
"name": "my-project",
"version": "1.0.0",
"dependencies": {
"my-skill": {
"git": "https://github.com/user/skill.git",
"branch": "main"
}
}
}
```
### Lockfile: craftdesk.lock
Records exact versions installed (like package-lock.json or Gemfile.lock):
```json
{
"version": "1.0.0",
"lockfileVersion": 1,
"crafts": {
"my-skill": {
"version": "main",
"resolved": "https://github.com/user/skill.git",
"integrity": "a1b2c3d4e5f6...",
"type": "skill",
"git": "https://github.com/user/skill.git",
"branch": "main",
"commit": "a1b2c3d4e5f6789012345678901234567890abcd"
}
}
}
```
**Always commit this file to version control!**
### Security: Checksum Verification
CraftDesk automatically verifies the integrity of downloaded packages:
- **Registry packages**: SHA-256 checksums are computed when you first add a craft and stored in `craftdesk.lock`
- **Subsequent installs**: The downloaded file is verified against the stored checksum before extraction
- **MITM protection**: Prevents tampering during download by detecting any modifications
- **Git packages**: Git commit hashes serve as checksums - stored in the lockfile and verified during clone
**What happens on checksum mismatch:**
```
Error: Checksum verification failed for john/rails-api@2.1.0.
Expected: a1b2c3d4e5f6...
This may indicate a corrupted download or a security issue.
Try running 'craftdesk install --no-lockfile' to re-resolve dependencies.
```
The lockfile contains SHA-256 hashes that ensure reproducible and secure installations across all team members.
### Install Directory
By default, crafts install to `.claude/` in your project:
```
.claude/
├── settings.json # Plugin configuration (auto-generated)
├── skills/
│ ├── ruby-on-rails/
│ └── postgres-expert/
├── agents/
│ └── code-reviewer/
├── commands/
│ └── deploy/
├── hooks/
│ └── pre-commit/
└── plugins/ # Flat plugin installation
├── company-rails-plugin/
│ ├── plugin.json
│ ├── PLUGIN.md
│ └── skills/...
└── my-skill-plugin/ # Wrapped skill
```
---
## Plugin System
**New in v0.3.0**: CraftDesk now supports a comprehensive plugin system for bundling multiple crafts with automatic dependency management.
### What are Plugins?
Plugins allow you to:
- **Bundle multiple crafts** (skills, agents, commands, hooks) together
- **Declare dependencies** that are automatically installed
- **Configure MCP servers** (Model Context Protocol) for external tools
- **Share configurations** and related files as a cohesive package
- **Wrap individual crafts** as plugins for better organization
### Installing Plugins
```bash
# Install a plugin from registry
craftdesk add company/rails-standards-plugin
# What happens automatically:
# 1. Plugin is installed to .claude/plugins/company-rails-standards-plugin/
# 2. Dependencies are resolved and auto-installed
# 3. Plugin is registered in .claude/settings.json
# 4. MCP server is configured (if provided)
# 5. Plugin tree is added to craftdesk.lock
```
**Example Output**:
```
Adding company/rails-standards-plugin...
Found company/rails-standards-plugin@2.1.0
Installing company/rails-standards-plugin...
Plugin detected - resolving dependencies...
Resolved 3 total dependencies
Installing plugin dependency: john/rspec-testing...
✓ Resolved john/rspec-testing@1.5.3
Installing plugin dependency: jane/postgres-toolkit...
✓ Resolved jane/postgres-toolkit@3.2.1
✓ Installed company/rails-standards-plugin@2.1.0
Craft added successfully!
```
### Plugin Structure
A plugin contains a `plugin.json` manifest:
```json
{
"name": "company-rails-plugin",
"version": "2.1.0",
"type": "plugin",
"description": "Rails development standards",
"author": "company",
"components": {
"skills": ["coding-standards", "rails-best-practices"],
"agents": ["standards-enforcer"],
"commands": ["check-standards"]
},
"dependencies": {
"john/rspec-testing": "^1.5.0",
"jane/postgres-toolkit": "^3.2.0"
},
"mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "/usr/bin/rails-standards-mcp",
"args": ["--config", ".claude/plugins/company-rails-plugin/config.json"]
}
}
```
### Automatic Dependency Resolution
When you install a plugin, **all dependencies are automatically installed**:
```bash
$ craftdesk add company/rails-plugin
# Installs dependency tree:
# company/rails-plugin (direct)
# ├── john/rspec-testing (dependency)
# └── jane/postgres-toolkit (dependency)
# └── jane/sql-helpers (nested dependency)
```
All dependencies are:
- ✅ Downloaded from their respective sources (registry/git)
- ✅ Installed to appropriate directories
- ✅ Verified with integrity checksums
- ✅ Marked as dependencies in lockfile
- ✅ Registered in `.claude/settings.json`
### Wrapping Individual Crafts
Convert any skill, agent, command, or hook into a plugin:
```bash
craftdesk add my-skill --as-plugin
```
**What happens**:
1. Original craft installed to `.claude/skills/my-skill/`
2. Plugin wrapper created at `.claude/plugins/my-skill-plugin/`
3. `plugin.json` and `PLUGIN.md` auto-generated
4. Craft files copied to plugin structure
5. Registered in settings as wrapped plugin
**Use cases**:
- Add MCP server to existing skill
- Bundle configuration with craft
- Prepare for publishing to marketplace
- Enable/disable craft from Claude Code UI
### Plugin Tree Visualization
View your plugin dependency tree:
```bash
$ craftdesk list
my-project@1.0.0
🔌 Plugins:
company/rails-standards@2.1.0
├── john/rspec-testing@1.5.3
└── jane/postgres-toolkit@3.2.1
my-skill-plugin@1.0.0
📚 Skills:
standalone-skill@1.0.0
Total: 5 crafts installed
```
### Removing Plugins with Dependencies
CraftDesk prevents accidental removal of required dependencies:
```bash
$ craftdesk remove john/rspec-testing
Warning: john/rspec-testing is required by:
- company/rails-standards@2.1.0
Use --force to remove anyway
```
Force removal:
```bash
craftdesk remove john/rspec-testing --force
```
### Settings Integration
Plugins are automatically registered in `.claude/settings.json`:
```json
{
"version": "1.0.0",
"plugins": {
"company-rails-plugin": {
"name": "company-rails-plugin",
"version": "2.1.0",
"enabled": true,
"installPath": "plugins/company-rails-plugin",
"dependencies": ["john-rspec-testing", "jane-postgres-toolkit"],
"mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "/usr/bin/rails-standards-mcp",
"args": ["--config", ".claude/plugins/company-rails-plugin/config.json"]
}
}
}
}
```
**For complete details**, see [DEPENDENCY_MANAGEMENT.md](./DEPENDENCY_MANAGEMENT.md)
---
## Command Reference
### `craftdesk init [options]`
Initialize a new craftdesk.json file.
**Options:**
- `-y, --yes` - Skip prompts and use defaults
- `-n, --name <name>` - Project name (default: directory name)
- `-v, --version <version>` - Project version (default: "1.0.0")
- `-t, --type <type>` - Project type: skill, agent, command, hook, or plugin (default: "skill")
- `-d, --description <desc>` - Project description
- `-a, --author <author>` - Author name
- `-l, --license <license>` - License (default: "MIT")
**Examples:**
```bash
# Interactive initialization
craftdesk init
# Quick init with defaults
craftdesk init -y
# Specify options
craftdesk init --name my-skill --type skill --author "Your Name"
```
---
### `craftdesk install [options]`
Install all dependencies from craftdesk.json.
**Options:**
- `--no-lockfile` - Ignore craftdesk.lock and re-resolve dependencies
- `--production` - Skip devDependencies
**Examples:**
```bash
# Install all dependencies
craftdesk install
# Or use the alias
craftdesk i
# Production install (skip dev dependencies)
craftdesk install --production
# Force re-resolve (ignore lockfile)
craftdesk install --no-lockfile
```
**What it does:**
1. Reads craftdesk.json
2. Uses craftdesk.lock if present (ensures reproducibility)
3. Resolves dependencies (registry + git sources)
4. Installs to .claude/ directory
5. Updates/creates craftdesk.lock
---
### `craftdesk add <craft> [options]`
Add a new dependency and install it immediately.
**Options:**
- `-D, --save-dev` - Save as devDependency
- `-O, --save-optional` - Save as optionalDependency
- `-E, --save-exact` - Save exact version (no ^ or ~)
- `-t, --type <type>` - Specify craft type (skill, agent, command, hook, plugin)
**Examples:**
```bash
# GitHub web URLs (auto-converted)
craftdesk add https://github.com/user/repo/blob/main/skill.md
craftdesk add https://github.com/user/repo/tree/main/skills/auth
# With explicit type
craftdesk add https://github.com/user/repo/blob/main/agent.md --type agent
# Git dependencies (manual format)
craftdesk add git+https://github.com/user/repo.git
craftdesk add git+https://github.com/user/repo.git#develop
craftdesk add git+https://github.com/user/repo.git#v2.0.0
# Direct file reference
craftdesk add git+https://github.com/user/repo.git#main#file:skill.md
# Subdirectory (monorepo)
craftdesk add git+https://github.com/company/monorepo.git#main#path:skills/auth
```
---
### `craftdesk remove <craft>`
Remove a dependency from craftdesk.json and the filesystem.
**Examples:**
```bash
craftdesk remove my-skill
craftdesk remove my-agent
```
---
### `craftdesk list [options]`
List installed crafts.
**Options:**
- `--tree` - Show dependency tree
- `--depth <n>` - Limit tree depth
- `--json` - Output as JSON
**Examples:**
```bash
# Simple list
craftdesk list
# Show dependency tree
craftdesk list --tree
# Limit tree depth
craftdesk list --tree --depth 2
# JSON output (for scripts)
craftdesk list --json
```
**Example output:**
```
my-project@1.0.0
Installed crafts:
• my-skill@main (skill)
• code-reviewer@v2.0.1 (agent)
• postgres-expert@main (skill)
Total: 3 crafts installed
```
---
### `craftdesk search <query> [options]`
Search for crafts in the registry.
**Options:**
- `-t, --type <type>` - Filter by type (skill, agent, command, hook, plugin)
**Examples:**
```bash
# Search for crafts
craftdesk search kafka
# Search for skills only
craftdesk search rails --type skill
# Search for plugins
craftdesk search standards --type plugin
```
**Example output:**
```
Search results for "kafka":
john/kafka-processing@2.1.0 (skill)
Expert knowledge for processing Kafka messages
jane/kafka-agent@1.5.3 (agent)
Autonomous agent for Kafka stream management
Found 2 crafts
```
---
### `craftdesk info <craft>`
Display detailed information about a craft from the registry.
**Examples:**
```bash
# Get info about a craft
craftdesk info john/rails-api
# Get info about a specific version
craftdesk info john/rails-api@2.1.0
```
**Example output:**
```
john/rails-api@2.1.0
Description: Rails API development best practices
Type: skill
Author: john
License: MIT
Downloads: 1,234
Versions:
2.1.0 (latest)
2.0.0
1.5.0
Dependencies:
jane/postgres-toolkit: ^1.0.0
```
---
### `craftdesk outdated`
Check for outdated dependencies that have newer versions available.
**Examples:**
```bash
# Check all dependencies
craftdesk outdated
```
**Example output:**
```
Checking for outdated dependencies...
Outdated crafts:
john/rails-api
Current: 2.0.0
Latest: 2.1.0
Type: skill
jane/postgres-toolkit
Current: 1.2.0
Latest: 1.5.0
Type: skill
2 outdated crafts found
Run 'craftdesk update' to update all, or 'craftdesk update <craft>' to update specific crafts.
```
---
### `craftdesk update [craft]`
Update dependencies to their latest compatible versions.
**Examples:**
```bash
# Update all outdated dependencies
craftdesk update
# Update a specific craft
craftdesk update john/rails-api
```
**What it does:**
1. Checks for newer versions in the registry
2. Downloads and installs updates
3. Updates craftdesk.lock with new versions
4. Verifies checksums for security
---
### `craftdesk publish [options]`
Publish a craft to the registry.
**Options:**
- `--visibility <level>` - Set visibility: public, private, or organization (default: public)
**Examples:**
```bash
# Publish the current craft
craftdesk publish
# Publish as private
craftdesk publish --visibility private
# Publish to organization only
craftdesk publish --visibility organization
```
**Prerequisites:**
- Must be logged in (`craftdesk login`)
- Must have a valid `craftdesk.json` in current directory
- Craft files must exist (SKILL.md, AGENT.md, etc.)
**What it does:**
1. Reads craftdesk.json for metadata
2. Collects all craft files
3. Creates a new version on the registry
4. Publishes with specified visibility
---
## Authentication
CraftDesk supports authenticated access to private registries.
### `craftdesk login [options]`
Authenticate with a registry using an API token.
**Options:**
- `-r, --registry <url>` - Registry URL (uses default from craftdesk.json if not specified)
**Examples:**
```bash
# Login to default registry
craftdesk login
# Login to a specific registry
craftdesk login --registry https://private.company.com
```
**How it works:**
1. Prompts for your API token
2. Verifies the token with the registry
3. Stores credentials in `~/.craftdesk/config.json`
4. Token is used for subsequent registry operations
**Getting an API token:**
- Log in to your CraftDesk registry web interface
- Navigate to Settings → API Tokens
- Generate a new token
---
### `craftdesk logout [options]`
Remove stored authentication credentials.
**Options:**
- `-r, --registry <url>` - Registry URL (uses default from craftdesk.json if not specified)
**Examples:**
```bash
# Logout from default registry
craftdesk logout
# Logout from specific registry
craftdesk logout --registry https://private.company.com
```
---
### `craftdesk whoami [options]`
Display the currently logged-in user.
**Options:**
- `-r, --registry <url>` - Registry URL (uses default from craftdesk.json if not specified)
**Examples:**
```bash
# Check current user
craftdesk whoami
# Check user for specific registry
craftdesk whoami --registry https://private.company.com
```
**Example output:**
```
Logged in to https://craftdesk.ai as john (john@example.com)
Organization: acme-corp
```
---
### Environment Variable Authentication
For CI/CD environments, you can use environment variables instead of `craftdesk login`:
```bash
# For a registry named "company-private" in craftdesk.json
export CRAFTDESK_AUTH_COMPANY_PRIVATE=your_api_token_here
# For the default registry
export CRAFTDESK_AUTH_LOCALHOST_3000=your_api_token_here
# The variable name is derived from the registry URL:
# https://example.com -> CRAFTDESK_AUTH_EXAMPLE_COM
```
Environment variables take precedence over stored credentials.
---
### Global Options
Available for all commands:
- `-v, --version` - Output the version number
- `-d, --debug` - Enable debug output
- `-h, --help` - Display help
**Examples:**
```bash
craftdesk --version
craftdesk --help
craftdesk init --help
```
---
## Dependency Sources
CraftDesk supports both registry and git dependencies.
### 1. Registry Dependencies (CraftDesk Web API)
Install crafts from the CraftDesk registry using `author/name` format:
```bash
# Search for crafts
craftdesk search kafka
# Get information about a craft
craftdesk info john/rails-api
# Add from registry
craftdesk add john/rails-api
craftdesk add john/rails-api@^2.1.0
# Add with specific version
craftdesk add jane/postgres-expert@1.2.0
```
**Registry format in craftdesk.json:**
```json
{
"dependencies": {
"john/rails-api": "^2.1.0",
"jane/kafka-processing": "~1.5.2",
"team/postgres-admin": "latest"
},
"registries": {
"default": {
"url": "http://localhost:3000"
}
}
}
```
**Important:** You must configure your registry URL in `craftdesk.json` to use registry-based crafts. Git-based dependencies (GitHub URLs) work without any registry configuration.
**Private Registry Authentication:**
For private registries, set authentication tokens via environment variables:
```bash
# For a registry named "company-private" in craftdesk.json
export CRAFTDESK_AUTH_COMPANY_PRIVATE=your_token_here
# For default registry
export CRAFTDESK_AUTH_DEFAULT=your_token_here
```
Example `craftdesk.json` with private registry:
```json
{
"registries": {
"default": {
"url": "https://your-registry.com"
},
"company-private": {
"url": "https://private.company.com",
"scope": "@company"
}
}
}
```
### 2. GitHub URLs (Easiest for Git)
Simply paste any GitHub URL - it auto-converts to the correct format:
```bash
# Directory in monorepo
craftdesk add https://github.com/user/repo/tree/main/skills/auth
# Single file
craftdesk add https://github.com/user/repo/blob/main/agent.md
# Entire repository
craftdesk add https://github.com/user/repo
```
### 3. Git Dependencies
From git repositories:
```json
{
"dependencies": {
"custom-agent": {
"git": "https://github.com/user/agent-repo.git",
"branch": "develop"
},
"stable-skill": {
"git": "https://github.com/org/skills.git",
"tag": "v2.1.0"
},
"specific-commit": {
"git": "https://github.com/user/repo.git",
"commit": "a1b2c3d4"
}
}
}
```
**Git options:**
- `git` - Repository URL (required)
- `branch` - Branch name (default: main/master)
- `tag` - Git tag
- `commit` - Specific commit hash
- `path` - Subdirectory within repo (for monorepos)
- `file` - Direct file path (for single-file crafts)
---
## Monorepo Support
Install multiple crafts from the same git repository using subdirectory paths:
```json
{
"dependencies": {
"auth-handler": {
"git": "https://github.com/company/ai-crafts-monorepo.git",
"tag": "v3.2.0",
"path": "skills/auth"
},
"data-processor": {
"git": "https://github.com/company/ai-crafts-monorepo.git",
"tag": "v3.2.0",
"path": "agents/processor"
},
"report-generator": {
"git": "https://github.com/company/ai-crafts-monorepo.git",
"tag": "v3.2.0",
"path": "skills/reporting"
}
}
}
```
**Benefits:**
- Single git repository for multiple crafts
- Version them together with git tags
- Each craft installs independently
- Efficient cloning (repo cached during resolution)
**Monorepo structure example:**
```
ai-crafts-monorepo/
├── skills/
│ ├── auth/
│ │ ├── craftdesk.json
│ │ └── SKILL.md
│ └── reporting/
│ ├── craftdesk.json
│ └── SKILL.md
├── agents/
│ └── processor/
│ ├── craftdesk.json
│ └── AGENT.md
└── commands/
└── deploy/
├── craftdesk.json
└── COMMAND.md
```
---
## craftdesk.json Reference
Complete specification of the craftdesk.json format:
```json
{
// Required fields
"name": "my-project",
"version": "1.0.0",
// Optional metadata
"type": "skill",
"description": "My awesome AI project",
"author": "Your Name <you@example.com>",
"license": "MIT",
"homepage": "https://example.com",
"repository": {
"type": "git",
"url": "https://github.com/user/repo.git"
},
"keywords": ["ai", "claude", "automation"],
// Dependencies
"dependencies": {
"my-skill": {
"git": "https://github.com/user/repo.git",
"branch": "main"
},
"auth-handler": {
"git": "https://github.com/company/monorepo.git",
"tag": "v3.2.0",
"path": "skills/auth"
},
"my-agent": {
"git": "https://github.com/user/agents.git",
"branch": "main",
"file": "agent.md"
}
},
"devDependencies": {
"test-runner": {
"git": "https://github.com/org/test-tools.git",
"branch": "main"
}
}
}
```
### Field Descriptions
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|-------|------|----------|-------------|
| `name` | string | Yes | Craft name (lowercase, no spaces) |
| `version` | string | Yes | Semantic version (e.g., "1.0.0") |
| `type` | string | No | Craft type: skill, agent, command, hook, plugin |
| `description` | string | No | Short description |
| `author` | string | No | Author name and email |
| `license` | string | No | License identifier (e.g., "MIT") |
| `dependencies` | object | No | Production dependencies |
| `devDependencies` | object | No | Development dependencies |
---
## craftdesk.lock
The lockfile ensures reproducible installations across different machines and times.
### What's in the Lockfile?
```json
{
"version": "1.0.0",
"lockfileVersion": 1,
"generatedAt": "2025-11-18T10:30:00.000Z",
"crafts": {
"my-skill": {
"version": "main",
"resolved": "https://github.com/user/skill.git",
"integrity": "a1b2c3d4e5f6789012345678901234567890abcd",
"type": "skill",
"author": "git",
"git": "https://github.com/user/skill.git",
"branch": "main",
"commit": "a1b2c3d4e5f6789012345678901234567890abcd",
"dependencies": {}
},
"custom-agent": {
"version": "v2.0.0",
"resolved": "https://github.com/user/agent.git",
"integrity": "b2c3d4e5f6789012345678901234567890abcdef",
"type": "agent",
"git": "https://github.com/user/agent.git",
"tag": "v2.0.0",
"commit": "b2c3d4e5f6789012345678901234567890abcdef",
"dependencies": {}
}
}
}
```
### Best Practices
✅ **DO:**
- Commit craftdesk.lock to version control
- Let the CLI manage it (don't edit manually)
- Use it for reproducible builds in CI/CD
❌ **DON'T:**
- Ignore craftdesk.lock in .gitignore
- Edit it manually
- Delete it without `--no-lockfile` flag
---
## CI/CD Integration
### GitHub Actions
```yaml
name: Deploy
on: [push]
jobs:
deploy:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- uses: actions/checkout@v3
- name: Setup Node.js
uses: actions/setup-node@v3
with:
node-version: '18'
- name: Install CraftDesk CLI
run: npm install -g craftdesk
- name: Install AI capabilities
run: craftdesk install --production
- name: Deploy
run: ./deploy.sh
```
### GitLab CI
```yaml
deploy:
image: node:18
script:
- npm install -g craftdesk
- craftdesk install --production
- ./deploy.sh
only:
- main
```
### Docker
```dockerfile
FROM node:18
# Install CraftDesk CLI
RUN npm install -g craftdesk
# Copy project files
WORKDIR /app
COPY craftdesk.json craftdesk.lock ./
# Install AI capabilities
RUN craftdesk install --production
# Copy rest of application
COPY . .
CMD ["node", "app.js"]
```
---
## Troubleshooting
### Common Issues
#### `No craftdesk.json found`
Make sure you're in a directory with a craftdesk.json file, or run `craftdesk init` first.
#### `Failed to resolve dependencies`
- Check internet connection
- Verify git repository URLs are accessible
- For private repos, ensure SSH keys or access tokens are configured
- Try `craftdesk install --no-lockfile` to re-resolve
#### `Git clone failed`
- Verify git is installed: `git --version`
- Check git repository URL is accessible
- For private repos, ensure SSH keys or tokens are configured
#### `Permission denied`
- For global install: `sudo npm install -g craftdesk`
- Or use npx: `npx craftdesk install`
#### `Dependency conflicts`
Currently uses last-write-wins. Future versions will have interactive conflict resolution.
### Debug Mode
Enable verbose logging:
```bash
craftdesk --debug install
```
### Getting Help
```bash
# General help
craftdesk --help
# Command-specific help
craftdesk init --help
craftdesk add --help
craftdesk install --help
```
---
## Development
### Building from Source
```bash
git clone https://github.com/mensfeld/craftdesk.git
cd craftdesk
npm install
npm run build
npm link
```
### Project Structure
```
craftdesk/
├── src/
│ ├── commands/ # CLI commands
│ ├── services/ # Core services
│ ├── types/ # TypeScript types
│ └── utils/ # Utilities
├── dist/ # Compiled JavaScript
├── bin/ # Executable entry point
├── examples/ # Example craftdesk.json files
└── docs/ # Documentation
```
### Running Tests
```bash
npm test
```
### Publishing
```bash
npm version patch
npm publish
```
---
## Documentation
### Core Documentation
- **[README.md](./README.md)** - This file, general overview and quick start
- **[DEPENDENCY_MANAGEMENT.md](./DEPENDENCY_MANAGEMENT.md)** - Complete guide to dependency management
- **[PLUGIN_IMPLEMENTATION_COMPLETE.md](./PLUGIN_IMPLEMENTATION_COMPLETE.md)** - Plugin system implementation details
### Additional Resources
- **[Package.json](./package.json)** - Project metadata and scripts
- **[TypeScript Source](./src/)** - Full source code
---
## License
MIT
---
## Links
- **Repository**: [https://github.com/mensfeld/craftdesk](https://github.com/mensfeld/craftdesk)
- **Issues**: [https://github.com/mensfeld/craftdesk/issues](https://github.com/mensfeld/craftdesk/issues)
- **Registry**: Self-hosted registry server available at [CraftDesk Web](../web)
---
## Roadmap
### Completed (v0.3.0)
- ✅ Git dependency support
- ✅ GitHub URL auto-conversion
- ✅ Direct file references
- ✅ Monorepo support
- ✅ Lockfile-based version control
- ✅ Self-hosted registry server support
- ✅ ZIP archive extraction for registry crafts
- ✅ **Plugin system** with dependency management
- ✅ **Auto-install plugin dependencies** (recursive)
- ✅ **Settings integration** (.claude/settings.json)
- ✅ **MCP server configuration** via plugins
- ✅ **Craft wrapping** (--as-plugin flag)
- ✅ **Plugin tree visualization**
- ✅ **Dependency removal protection**
- ✅ SHA-256 checksum verification (MITM protection)
- ✅ Registry search and info commands
- ✅ `craftdesk publish` command
- ✅ `craftdesk outdated` command
- ✅ `craftdesk update` command
- ✅ **Authentication system** (login/logout/whoami)
- ✅ **Private registry authentication** (token-based)
- ✅ **Environment variable auth** (CI/CD support)
- ✅ Semantic versioning for registry packages
### Planned
- 🔲 Plugin marketplace/directory
- 🔲 `craftdesk validate <plugin>` command
- 🔲 Multiple dependency versions support
- 🔲 Peer dependency warnings
- 🔲 Persistent download cache
- 🔲 Offline installation mode
- 🔲 Interactive dependency conflict resolution
---
Made for the AI development community