verify-directory-structure-before-write

name	verify-directory-structure-before-write
description	When instructed to write or append to a file, always verify the parent directory exists before attempting the write operation.
category	automation

Verify Directory Structure Before Write

1. Parse the target file path from the request.
2. Check if the parent directory exists using os.path.isdir() or equivalent.
3. If the directory does not exist, create it first with mkdir -p or equivalent before writing.
4. Only then proceed with the file write/append operation.
5. If the file itself doesn't exist, create it (do not fail with ENOENT).

Example: bash

Before writing to /Users/dongtingxiao/.openclaw/workspace/memory/2026-04-18.md

mkdir -p /Users/dongtingxiao/.openclaw/workspace/memory

Then write the file

Anti-pattern: Calling write on a file path whose parent directory hasn't been verified to exist, causing ENOENT errors.