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degit Project Scaffolder

Downloads a repo or template snapshot into a new project folder without git history

Source Download skill
Repository
Rich-Harris/degit
Stars
7,962
Licence
MIT
Files
1 file

What it does

When installed, the agent knows how to use degit, a command-line tool that copies a snapshot of a GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Sourcehut, or Gist repository into a local folder without the original git history. The agent picks the simplest matching command, checks that the destination is empty, and can explain options such as branches, subfolders, cached copies, aliases, and post-download template actions.

Great for

  • Developers starting a new project from a starter template or boilerplate repo
  • Teams that want reusable shortcuts for their internal templates
  • People who want a clean copy of a repo without its commit history

Skip it if

  • Keeping a linked copy that can pull upstream updates, since degit makes a one-time snapshot with no history (use git clone instead)
  • Overwriting an existing non-empty folder without careful review, because the skill discourages --force and destructive commands unless explicitly requested
  • Downloading untrusted templates without review, because their degit.json actions run automatically and can change files

Try asking

  • “Scaffold a new project from the user/repo starter template into my-app”
  • “Clone the docs branch of user/repo into a folder called site”
  • “Create a reusable alias for our company template and use it next time”
  • “Download only the src folder from a GitHub repo”
Step-by-step guide: how to use degit Project ScaffolderInstall, first run, examples, tips and FAQs

Install in 3 steps

  1. 1

    Download the skill

    The ZIP contains the 1 original files, the MIT licence and an attribution note.

    degit.zip
  2. 2

    Add it to your agent

    Claude Code (all projects)

    mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills && unzip degit.zip -d ~/.claude/skills/

    Claude Code / Agent SDK (this project only)

    mkdir -p .claude/skills && unzip degit.zip -d .claude/skills/

    Claude apps (web/desktop): Settings → Capabilities → Skills → Upload skill, and choose the ZIP.

  3. 3

    Ask for the task

    No special command needed — the agent reads the skill's description and loads it when your request matches. Try one of the prompts above.

Get better results

  • Name the source, optional branch or tag, and destination folder up front so the agent can give one exact command.
  • Use --verbose when a download fails to see the underlying cause.
  • Review a template's degit.json before running it, or use --no-actions for untrusted templates.

What's inside

  • SKILL.md

Redistributed unmodified from Rich-Harris/degit under the MIT licence. The assessment was drafted with AI from the skill's files on 2026-10-29. Skills can instruct your agent to run code — read SKILL.md and any scripts before installing.