| name | tooling |
| description | Assesses, installs, and configures tools for the workspace. Use when tools are missing, tool inventory needs updating, or workspace requires specific dependencies. |
| triggers | ["install tools","assess tooling","update tool inventory","configure dependencies"] |
Overview
Ensure workspace has the right tools installed and configured. Tooling manages the dependency layer of the workspace.
When to Use
- Tool inventory is empty or incomplete
- Workspace requires specific dependencies
- Architecture identifies missing tooling needs
- User requests specific tool installation
When Not to Use
- For non-tool structural changes (use architecture)
- For content quality improvements (use prompt-engineering)
- When no additional tools are needed
The Iron Law
NO INSTALLING TOOLS WITHOUT USER APPROVAL
NO SKIPPING TOOL INVENTORY UPDATES
NO INSTALLING UNNECESSARY TOOLS
NO SKIPPING VERIFICATION AFTER INSTALLATION
The Process
- Scan current tools - Read SYSTEM.md tool inventory.
- Identify missing tools - Compare requirements against installed tools.
- Propose tools - Provide recommended tools with justification.
- Get approval - Present the tool plan before installing.
- Install tools - Run
node scripts/install-tool.ts --tool <name> --manager <mgr> --workspace <path>.
- Update inventory - Confirm SYSTEM.md or inventory section is updated.
- Verify installation - Confirm each installed tool is accessible.
Red Flags
- Tools installed without approval
- Inventory not updated after install
- Unnecessary tools installed
- Installation not verified
Anti-Rationalization Table
| Thought | Reality |
|---|
| "This tool might be useful" | "Might" is not enough. Every tool needs explicit justification. |
| "I will install now and tell the user later" | Approval must come before installation. |
| "The install probably worked" | Probably is not verified. Validate each install. |
Sub-Skill Dispatch
status = passed (approved tooling installed and verified) -> nextSkill = none.status = failed (installation incomplete or verification failed) -> nextSkill = none.status = escalated (blocked by permissions, policy, or unresolved conflicts) -> nextSkill = none.
Report Format
{
"skill": "tooling",
"status": "passed",
"timestamp": "2026-04-08T00:00:00Z",
"findings": ["Installed two approved dependencies"],
"recommendations": ["Run validation to confirm inventory consistency"],
"metrics": {
"toolsInstalled": 2,
"toolsProposed": 2,
"toolsFailed": 0
},
"nextSkill": "none"
}
Allowed status values: passed, failed, escalated.
Allowed nextSkill values: none.
Integration
- Consumes architecture and requirement signals to propose tools.
- Produces verified dependency state for downstream validation.
