github-to-skill

name	github-to-skill
description	Search GitHub repositories and generate Claude Skills from them. Use this skill when users want to create a new skill based on an existing GitHub repository, need to find high-quality libraries for skill development, or want to transform a GitHub project into a reusable Claude capability. Supports repository search, quality filtering, and skill template generation.

GitHub to Skill Creator

Automatically discover GitHub repositories and convert them into Claude Skills.

Overview

Transforms any GitHub repository into a reusable Claude Skill by:

1. Searching GitHub for high-quality, active repositories
2. Analyzing repository structure and documentation
3. Generating skill templates with proper structure
4. Packaging ready-to-use skills

Workflow Decision Tree

User Request
    ↓
Does user have a specific repo in mind?
    ├─ YES → Generate skill template directly
    │         (use generate_skill_template.py)
    │
    └─ NO → Search GitHub first
             1. Ask clarifying questions
             2. Run repository search
             3. Present TOP 5-10 options
             4. User selects repo
             5. Generate skill template

Phase 1: Repository Search & Recommendation

Step 1: Understand Requirements

Ask the user:

• What functionality do you need?
• Any preferred programming language?
• Specific requirements (license, activity level)?

Step 2: Search GitHub

Use the search script with appropriate filters:

# Basic search
python3 scripts/search_github_repos.py "PDF processing"

# With language filter
python3 scripts/search_github_repos.py "image manipulation" --language python

# High quality, recently updated
python3 scripts/search_github_repos.py "REST API" --min-stars 500 --sort updated

# Save results for analysis
python3 scripts/search_github_repos.py "data processing" --output results.json

Step 3: Present Results

Display results in a clear table format:

#	Repository	Stars	Updated	Language	Description	Recommendation
1	owner/repo	2500	2024-01	Python	Brief desc	⭐ High quality, active

Quality Criteria

When recommending repositories, ensure:

• ✅ Active maintenance: Updated within 6 months
• ✅ Quality indicators: 100+ stars, good documentation
• ✅ Clear API: Well-defined interfaces and examples
• ✅ License: Permissive license (MIT, Apache, BSD)

Phase 2: Skill Template Generation

Step 1: Analyze Repository

After user selects a repository:

# Generate skill template
python3 scripts/generate_skill_template.py owner/repository

# Custom output directory
python3 scripts/generate_skill_template.py owner/repository --output ./skills

Step 2: Review Generated Structure

The generator creates:

skill-name/
├── SKILL.md              # Ready to customize
├── scripts/
│   └── example.py        # Starter code
└── references/           # For additional docs

Step 3: Customize the Skill

Update SKILL.md:

• Edit frontmatter description (be specific about when to use)
• Replace [TODO] items with actual content
• Add clear usage examples
• Document configuration options

Implement Core Logic:

• Write wrapper scripts in scripts/
• Handle errors gracefully
• Add logging and user feedback

Add References:

• API documentation
• Configuration examples
• Troubleshooting guides

Step 4: Test & Package

# Test the skill
# [Manual testing steps]

# Package the skill
cd ../skill-creator
python3 scripts/package_skill.py ../skill-name

Usage Examples

Example 1: User Knows What They Want

User: "Create a skill from pdfplumber repository"

Action:

python3 scripts/generate_skill_template.py jsvine/pdfplumber

Example 2: User Needs Guidance

User: "I want to add PDF processing capabilities"

Action:

1. Ask: "What type of PDF processing? (extraction, manipulation, form filling)"
2. Search: python3 scripts/search_github_repos.py "PDF extraction" --language python
3. Present TOP 5 options with pros/cons
4. Guide selection and generate template

Example 3: No Suitable Repository Found

User: "I need quantum computing simulation"

Action:

1. Search reveals limited/old repositories
2. Suggest alternatives:
   • Combine multiple smaller libraries
   • Create from scratch with skill-creator
   • Use web APIs instead

Best Practices

Search Strategy

• Start broad: Use general terms ("PDF processing")
• Narrow down: Add filters (--language, --min-stars)
• Try variations: "PDF extract", "PDF parse", "document processing"

Repository Evaluation

Check these before recommending:

1. Last commit: Within 6 months
2. Issues ratio: Low open/closed ratio indicates good maintenance
3. Documentation: README, examples, API docs
4. License: Prefer MIT/Apache for permissive use

Skill Design Principles

• Keep it focused: One primary purpose per skill
• Minimal dependencies: Prefer widely-used libraries
• Clear error messages: Help users troubleshoot
• Test thoroughly: Verify before packaging

Troubleshooting

No repositories found

• Broaden search terms
• Reduce minimum stars threshold
• Try different programming languages

GitHub API rate limit

• Create GitHub token: https://github.com/settings/tokens
• Set GITHUB_TOKEN environment variable
• Or use --token parameter

Generated skill doesn't work

• Verify repository has clear API/usage patterns
• Check dependencies are installable
• Review error messages in scripts

Dependencies

pip install requests

Optional (for GitHub API rate limits):

• GitHub personal access token

Related Skills

• skill-creator: Create skills from scratch
• pdf-to-ppt: Example of a generated skill

Resources

• GitHub Search: https://github.com/search
• GitHub API Docs: https://docs.github.com/en/rest
• Skill Creation Guide: Available in skill-creator references/