Organize and maintain AI agent workspaces using structured directories, clear naming, regular audits, and safe cleanup of unused or dead files.
# File Management Skill _A battle-tested approach to keeping your AI agent workspace organized and maintainable._ ## Overview This skill documents the file management system developed through real-world use of OpenClaw. It covers workspace structure, naming conventions, dead file detection, and cleanup practices. ## When to Use This Skill - Onboarding a new agent or setting up a fresh workspace - Performing periodic workspace audits - Before making significant changes to workspace structure - When workspace feels cluttered or disorganized ## Core Principles ### 1. Every File Has a Purpose - **Active files**: Scripts, configs, and data in use by cron jobs or agents - **Reference files**: Documentation, strategies, and notes - **Archived files**: Old versions, completed project artifacts - **Dead files**: Abandoned scripts, old experiments, unused utilities ### 2. Structure Mirrors Function ``` workspace/ ├── memory/ # Daily session logs and working context ├── skills/ # Installed skill directories ├── project-1/ # Project-specific directories ├── project-2/ ├── ACTIVE.md # Currently running projects & priorities ├── DREAMS.md # Background processing notes └── ARCHIVED/ # Completed or abandoned projects ``` ### 3. Naming Conventions - **Scripts**: Use `.sh` for bash, `.py` for Python, `.js` for JavaScript - **Logs**: End with `.log` - **Configs**: End with `.json`, `.yaml`, or `.md` - **Daily notes**: `memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md` format ### 4. Audit Regularly Run workspace audits monthly or after major changes. Use the audit script to identify: - Dead files (no references from active crons or scripts) - Large files consuming storage - Outdated documentation ## Quick Audit Commands ```bash # Find files not referenced by any cron or script grep -r "filename" ~/path/to/workspace/ --include="*.sh" --include="*.py" --include="*.js" # Find recently modified files find ~/path/to/workspace -type f -mtime -7 # Check disk usage by directory du -sh ~/path/to/workspace/*/ ``` ## Cleanup Best Practices 1. **Never delete immediately** — use `trash` instead of `rm` 2. **Document before deleting** — note what a file did in memory first 3. **Verify before cleanup** — confirm no active references 4. **Commit before major cleanup** — create a revert point ## Full Documentation See `FILE-MANAGEMENT.md` for the complete reference implementation, including: - Directory structure explainer - Active vs archived file definitions - Dead file detection criteria - Example cleanup checklists
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