switch-dataset

name	switch-dataset
description	Change the active dataset. Updates the active pointer, validates the target dataset exists, and confirms with a summary. Triggered when users say "switch to dataset", "change dataset", or invoke `/switch-dataset`.

Skill: Switch Dataset

Purpose

Change the active dataset. Updates the active pointer, validates the target dataset exists, and confirms with a summary of what's now active.

When to Use

Invoke as /switch-dataset {name} when the user wants to analyze a different dataset than the currently active one.

Instructions

Step 1: Validate the target dataset

1. Read data_sources.yaml to check if {name} exists as a registered source
2. If not found, try fuzzy matching (case-insensitive, partial match)
3. If still not found, list available datasets and ask user to choose

Step 2: Validate the data brain exists

1. Check that <workspace>/knowledge/datasets/{name}/manifest.yaml exists
2. If it doesn't exist, suggest: "Dataset '{name}' is registered but has no data brain. Run /connect-data to set it up."

Step 3: Update the active pointer

1. Read <workspace>/knowledge/active.yaml
2. Update active_dataset to {name}
3. Append to switch_history (cap at 20 entries, FIFO)
4. Write updated <workspace>/knowledge/active.yaml

Step 4: Confirm the switch

Read the target dataset's manifest.yaml and display:

Switched to: {display_name}
Tables: {table_count}
Date range: {date_range}
Connection: {connection.type} ({connection.database}.{connection.schema})
Last analysis: {last_used or "none"}
Metrics defined: {count from metrics/index.yaml or 0}

Anti-Patterns

1. Never silently switch — always confirm with a summary
2. Never switch mid-analysis — if working/ has artifacts from the previous dataset, warn: "You have in-progress work for {old_dataset}. Switch anyway?"
3. Never infer the dataset — only switch when explicitly requested via this skill