// Package management for modular code organization. This skill should be used when creating, installing, or modifying metool packages, working with package structure conventions, or adding Claude Code skills to packages.
| name | metool |
| description | Package management for modular code organization. This skill should be used when creating, installing, or modifying metool packages, working with package structure conventions, or adding Claude Code skills to packages. |
Metool (mt) organizes code through packages - self-contained units with scripts, functions, configuration, and documentation. Packages are organized in modules and installed via GNU Stow symlinks. From shell utilities to complete applications, all code follows the same structure.
See README.md for installation and getting started.
package-name/
├── README.md # Required
├── SKILL.md # Optional (AI assistance)
├── bin/ # Executables → ~/.metool/bin/
├── shell/ # Functions, aliases → sourced on startup
├── config/ # Dotfiles (dot- prefix) → ~/
├── lib/ # Library functions (not symlinked)
└── libexec/ # Helper scripts (not in PATH)
See docs/packages/structure.md for conventions.
mt package add module/package # Add to working set
mt package install package-name # Install (create symlinks)
mt cd package-name # Navigate to package
mt edit function-name # Edit a function/script
mt reload # Reload shell configuration
See docs/commands/README.md for full reference.
Create directory structure, add README.md, implement components, install.
See docs/packages/creation.md for step-by-step guide.
mt package new my-package /path/to/module # Create from template
Create SKILL.md in package root with required frontmatter.
See docs/skills/README.md for skill creation.
For systemd/launchd services, use the service package template.
See docs/services/README.md for service management.
Move packages between modules (dev → public).
See docs/packages/promotion.md for workflow.
mt package diff package-name dev pub # Compare versions
mt module list # List modules in working set
mt package list # List all packages
mt package list | grep -w git # Find specific package
When config files conflict, remove existing files when prompted.
mt deps # Check dependencies
mt deps --install # Auto-install on macOS
Requires: GNU coreutils, GNU Stow 2.4.0+