plugin-lifecycle

# plugin-lifecycle Skill **Purpose:** Manage the complete lifecycle of plugins from installation to removal with proper state tracking and safety features. ## Overview This skill handles all plugin lifecycle operations on macOS: - **Installation (Mode 1)**: Copy Release binaries to system folders (`~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/`) - **Uninstallation (Mode 2)**: Clean removal from system folders (preserves source code) - **Reset to Ideation (Mode 3)**: Remove implementation, keep idea/mockups (surgical rollback) - **Destroy (Mode 4)**: Complete removal with backup (nuclear option) All operations include proper permissions, cache clearing, state tracking, and safety features (confirmations, backups). --- ## Mode Dispatcher This skill operates in different modes based on the invoking command: | Mode | Operation | Command | Purpose | |------|-----------|---------|---------| | 1 | Installation | `/install-plugin` | Deploy to system folders | | 2 | Uninstallation | `/uninstall` | Remove binaries, keep source | | 3 | Reset to Ideation | `/reset-to-ideation` | Remove implementation, keep idea/mockups | | 4 | Destroy | `/destroy` | Complete removal with backup | | Menu | Interactive | `/clean` | Present menu, user chooses mode | **Invocation Pattern:** When user runs `/install-plugin [Name]`, the command expands to a prompt that invokes THIS skill. Determine mode by examining command (see [references/invocation-protocol.md](references/invocation-protocol.md)), then load ONLY the relevant reference file: - Mode 1 → Load and execute `references/installation-process.md` ONLY - Mode 2 → Load and execute `references/uninstallation-process.md` ONLY - Mode 3 → Load and execute `references/mode-3-reset.md` ONLY - Mode 4 → Load and execute `references/mode-4-destroy.md` ONLY - Menu → Present menu, wait for selection, then load chosen mode reference file **IMPORTANT:** Do NOT load other mode reference files. Load only the reference file for the active mode to optimize context window usage. **Installation targets (macOS):** - VST3, AU: `~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/`, `~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/` - AAX: `~/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/` (future) --- ## Installation Workflow (Mode 1 - Critical - Do Not Skip Steps) Copy this checklist to track installation progress: ``` Installation Progress: - [ ] Step 1: Build verification (BLOCKING) - [ ] Step 2: Product name extraction - [ ] Step 3: Old version removal - [ ] Step 4: Copy to system folders (BLOCKING) - [ ] Step 5: Permissions verification (BLOCKING) - [ ] Step 6: Cache clearing - [ ] Step 7: Verification (BLOCKING) - [ ] Step 8: PLUGINS.md update (BLOCKING) ``` Execute these steps in order: 1. **Build Verification** (BLOCKING) - Check Release binaries exist, offer to build if missing - See: `references/installation-process.md` Step 1 - Cannot proceed without binaries 2. **Product Name Extraction** - Extract PRODUCT_NAME from CMakeLists.txt - See: `references/installation-process.md` Step 2 - Required for all subsequent steps 3. **Old Version Removal** - Remove existing installations to prevent conflicts - See: `references/installation-process.md` Step 3 - Can proceed if no old version exists 4. **Copy to System Folders** (BLOCKING) - Install VST3 and AU to macOS plugin directories - See: `references/installation-process.md` Step 4 - Core installation step 5. **Permissions Verification** (BLOCKING) - Set 755 permissions for DAW access - See: `references/installation-process.md` Step 5 - DAWs cannot load plugins without correct permissions 6. **Cache Clearing** - Clear Ableton Live and Logic Pro caches - See: `references/cache-management.md` - Display warning if fails, then proceed 7. **Verification** (BLOCKING) - Confirm installation with file checks and size validation - See: `references/installation-process.md` Step 7 - Must confirm success before declaring completion 8. **PLUGINS.md Update** (BLOCKING) - Record installation status and locations - See: `references/installation-process.md` Step 8 - State tracking is part of success criteria **Note:** Steps marked BLOCKING must succeed before proceeding. **Feedback Loop:** If Step 7 (Verification) fails: 1. Review error details 2. Check reference file: `references/error-handling.md` 3. Apply fix 4. Retry from Step 4 (Copy to System Folders) If verification succeeds, proceed to decision menu. See **[references/installation-process.md](references/installation-process.md)** for complete implementation. --- ## Cache Management See **[references/cache-management.md](references/cache-management.md)** for cache clearing procedures (invoked during installation and uninstallation). --- ## Uninstallation Workflow (Mode 2) See **[references/uninstallation-process.md](references/uninstallation-process.md)** for complete uninstallation process (locate, confirm, remove, clear caches, update PLUGINS.md). --- ## Reset to Ideation Workflow (Mode 3) Surgical rollback - removes implementation, preserves idea/mockups. Use case: Implementation failed but concept is solid. See **[references/mode-3-reset.md](references/mode-3-reset.md)** for complete process. --- ## Destroy Workflow (Mode 4) Complete removal with backup. Use case: Abandoned experiment, never using again. Requires exact plugin name confirmation (safety gate). See **[references/mode-4-destroy.md](references/mode-4-destroy.md)** for complete process. --- ## Interactive Menu (Mode: Menu) When invoked via `/clean [PluginName]`, present interactive menu: ``` Plugin cleanup options for [PluginName]: 1. Uninstall - Remove binaries from system folders (keep source code) 2. Reset to ideation - Remove implementation, keep idea/mockups 3. Destroy - Complete removal with backup (IRREVERSIBLE except via backup) 4. Cancel Choose (1-4): _ ``` **Menu logic:** 1. Read current status from PLUGINS.md 2. Filter options based on status: - IF status = "💡 Ideated" → Show options 2, 3, 4 (cannot uninstall what isn't built) - IF status = "✅ Working" → Show options 1, 2, 3, 4 (not installed yet) - IF status = "📦 Installed" → Show ALL options (full lifecycle available) - IF status = "🚧 In Progress" → Show only option 4 (Cancel) - ELSE (unknown status) → Show ALL options with warning: "Unknown status '[status]' - showing all options" 3. Present filtered menu, wait for user choice 4. Route to selected mode (1-4) or exit on Cancel --- ## Checkpoint Protocol After successful operations, check workflow mode before presenting decision menu: 1. **Check workflow mode:** - Read `.claude/preferences.json` for `workflow.mode` setting - Modes: "manual" (present menu) or "express" (skip menu) 2. **Manual mode (default):** - Present decision menu to user - See [references/decision-menu-protocol.md](references/decision-menu-protocol.md) for menu format 3. **Express mode:** - Skip decision menu - Return control to caller immediately **Note:** plugin-lifecycle operations are terminal (don't chain to next stage), so express mode behavior is: complete operation → skip menu → end workflow. --- ## Integration Points **Invoked by:** - `/install-plugin [PluginName]` → Mode 1 (Installation) - `/uninstall [PluginName]` → Mode 2 (Uninstallation) - `/reset-to-ideation [PluginName]` → Mode 3 (Reset) - `/destroy [PluginName]` → Mode 4 (Destroy) - `/clean [PluginName]` → Interactive menu - `plugin-workflow` skill → After Stage 3 (auto-installs) - `plugin-improve` skill → After successful changes (offers reinstallation) - Natural language: "Install [PluginName]", "Remove [PluginName]", "Clean up [PluginName]" **Invokes:** - None (terminal skill, doesn't invoke others) **Invocation patterns**: See [references/invocation-protocol.md](references/invocation-protocol.md) for mode detection and routing. **Updates:** - `PLUGINS.md` → Table row: status, version, last updated - `plugins/[Name]/NOTES.md` → Status metadata, timeline entries, installation details **Creates:** - System folder installations (non-git-tracked): - `~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/[Product].vst3` - `~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/[Product].component` **Blocks:** - None (installation is optional, plugins can be tested without installing) --- ## Success Criteria Installation is successful when: VST3/AU installed with 755 permissions, caches cleared, PLUGINS.md updated, user informed of next steps. ---