para-second-brain — Claude Code skill: what it does, how to install
This skill organizes and maintains a personal knowledge base using the PARA framework. It routes notes, clarifies categories, and audits folder health.
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a claude-codeWhat para-second-brain does
The skill applies the PARA framework to file incoming notes across projects, areas, resources, and archives. When a placement is ambiguous, the agent inspects bundled decision trees and edge-case guides inside references/ to separate time-bound initiatives from ongoing responsibilities. It also guides routine workflows like inbox processing and project closeouts.
Vault maintenance includes an automated check. The agent invokes scripts/validate.sh on a specified path or the working directory, compiling structural issues into a PARA-validation-YYYY-MM-DD.md markdown report.
Running the validation workflow requires environment permissions to execute shell scripts directly in your project directory.
What it helps with
- categorize raw inbox items into the right PARA folder
- distinguish active projects from ongoing areas of responsibility
- archive finished project assets and reference materials
- audit folder layout for orphaned or stale files
Example prompts for the agent
- Where should I file my research notes on database indexing?
- Run a validation check on my vault and list any structural issues
- Guide me through my monthly review and archive completed projects
How to install para-second-brain
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/para-second-brain/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a codex2Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a cursor2Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
1GitHub CLI
gh skill install robdefeo/agent-skills para-second-brain2Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a gemini-cli2Platform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/robdefeo/agent-skills --path skills/para-second-brainManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a opencodeClaude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to install skills in Claude Code: five ways
Questions about para-second-brain
How to install para-second-brain in Claude Code?
Run npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a claude-code in your terminal. You can also place the file manually at ~/.claude/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md.
What does the para-second-brain skill do?
It assists in organizing personal knowledge vaults according to PARA principles, routing files to appropriate folders and auditing catalog structure.
How does the vault validation workflow work?
The agent runs scripts/validate.sh and writes its findings to PARA-validation-YYYY-MM-DD.md in the current working directory.
