# para-second-brain

This skill organizes and maintains a personal knowledge base using the PARA framework. It routes notes, clarifies categories, and audits folder health.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, OpenCode · 406 installs · ★ 4
- Author: robdefeo
- License: not stated · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/robdefeo/agent-skills/tree/HEAD/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-06-20
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/para-second-brain

## What it 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.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a claude-code
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/para-second-brain/

### Codex

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a codex
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a cursor
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install robdefeo/agent-skills para-second-brain
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a gemini-cli
```

2. **Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/robdefeo/agent-skills --path skills/para-second-brain
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robdefeo/agent-skills --skill para-second-brain -a opencode
```

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/robdefeo/agent-skills/tree/HEAD/skills/para-second-brain/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- 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
- 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

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From the same set: [robdefeo/agent-skills](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/by/robdefeo/agent-skills.md) — 2 cards

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NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md