| name | jd-system-setup |
| description | Initialize a new Johnny.Decimal system by creating the folder structure, standard zeros, and initial JDex. Use this skill when the user wants to set up a new JD system, create their JD folder structure, initialize a system, start organizing with Johnny.Decimal, or says things like "set up my JD system," "create a new system," "initialize JD," "build my folder structure," or "I want to start using Johnny.Decimal." Handles both single-system and multi-system (SYS.AC.ID) configurations.
|
Johnny.Decimal System Setup
This skill creates a new Johnny.Decimal system from scratch — building the
folder structure, standard zeros, and initial JDex based on the user's needs.
1. Gather Requirements
Before creating anything, understand what the user needs.
1.1 Single or Multi-System?
Ask the user:
- Single system: One organizational domain (e.g., just personal life, or
just work). No system prefix needed — folders use plain
AC.ID notation.
- Multi-system: Multiple distinct domains (e.g., personal + work, or
personal + work + child). Each system gets a
SYS prefix using the
[A-Z][0-9][0-9] format.
If the user already has JD systems, check the existing root to avoid
conflicts.
1.2 System Identity
For each system to create, gather:
- System code (multi-system only): A three-character
[A-Z][0-9][0-9]
identifier. Encourage memorable codes (e.g., P10 for personal, W20 for
work). The code should be visually distinctive.
- System name: A plain-English name (e.g., "Personal", "Work", "Jamie").
- Root location: Where the system will live on disk. Common locations:
~/Library/Mobile Documents/com~apple~CloudDocs/JD/ (iCloud Drive)~/Documents/JD/~/JD/
1.3 Areas and Categories
Walk the user through defining their areas. Provide guidance:
- Maximum 10 areas (including
00-09 System)
- Each area covers a major life/work domain
- Fewer areas is better — compression over granularity
- Area
00-09 is always created automatically for system management
For each area, ask about categories:
- Maximum 10 categories per area
- Categories are "where you work" — collections of similar things
- Category names should be short and clear
For each category, ask if they have specific IDs in mind, or if they'll create
IDs as content arrives.
2. Create the Folder Structure
2.1 System Root
Create the system root folder:
- Single system:
[Root]/ (e.g., ~/JD/)
- Multi-system:
[Root]/SYS Name/ (e.g., ~/JD/P10 Personal/)
2.2 Area Folders
Create area folders using the format AC-range Description:
00-09 System
10-19 [Area name]
20-29 [Area name]
...
2.3 Category Folders
Within each area, create category folders using the format AC Description:
00 System management
01 [Category name]
11 [Category name]
12 [Category name]
...
2.4 Standard Zeros (System Level)
Always create these in 00-09 System/00 System management/:
| Folder | Purpose |
|---|
00.00 JDex.md | Master index (file, not folder) |
00.01 Inbox/ | Unsorted capture bucket |
00.02 Tasks.md | Action items and follow-ups (file) |
00.03 Processing log.md | Record of inbox processing sessions (file) |
Optionally create if the user wants them:
| Folder | Purpose |
|---|
00.04 Needs review/ | Items awaiting user decision |
00.08 Someday/ | Non-urgent ideas and parking lot |
00.09 Archive/ | Completed or stale items |
2.5 ID Folders
If the user specified initial IDs during requirements gathering, create them
using the format AC.ID Description:
11.01 Mortgage & title/
11.02 Property tax/
11.03 Homeowners insurance/
3. Generate the JDex
Create 00.00 JDex.md with a complete listing of every area, category, and
ID in the system.
JDex Format
# [SYS] JDex
## 00-09 System
- 00.00 JDex ← this file
- 00.01 Inbox
- 00.02 Tasks
- 00.03 Processing log
## 10-19 [Area name]
### 11 [Category name]
- 11.01 [ID description]
- 11.02 [ID description]
### 12 [Category name]
- 12.01 [ID description]
## 20-29 [Area name]
...
JDex Rules
- Every folder that exists must have a JDex entry
- Every JDex entry must have a corresponding folder
- +SUB entries are listed inline under their parent ID
- Cross-system references use arrow notation:
→ P10.34.01
4. Initialize Task and Log Files
4.1 Tasks File
Create 00.02 Tasks.md:
# [System name] Tasks
Tasks extracted during inbox processing and daily use.
---
<!-- Add tasks below this line -->
4.2 Processing Log
Create 00.03 Processing log.md:
# [System name] Processing Log
Record of inbox processing sessions.
---
<!-- Processing entries will be appended below -->
5. Verification
After creating the structure:
- List the complete folder tree to depth 3 and present it to the user
for review.
- Display the JDex so the user can verify all entries are correct.
- Confirm iCloud sync (if applicable): Verify folders appear correctly.
- Note next steps: Suggest the user start capturing items into their
inbox and run
/jd:process-inbox when ready.
6. Multi-System Considerations
When setting up multiple systems at once:
- Each system gets its own independent JDex
- Each system gets its own standard zeros
- Cross-system references should be noted during setup if known
(e.g., "F50.32.01 will reference P10.34.01 for health insurance")
- Suggest the user set up one system fully before moving to the next
7. Templates for Common System Types
Offer these as starting points when the user isn't sure what areas to create:
Personal Life System
00-09 System
10-19 Home & property
20-29 Family & relationships
30-39 Money & legal
40-49 Health & wellness
50-59 Projects & hobbies
60-69 Travel & experiences
Work System
00-09 System & employment
10-19 [Primary work domain]
20-29 Career development
30-39 Professional visibility
Child/Dependent System
00-09 System
10-19 Identity & documents
20-29 School / academics
30-39 Health & medical
40-49 Activities & interests
These are suggestions, not prescriptions. The user's actual needs should
drive the structure.
