---
slug: "roots-skills"
source_type: "readme"
source_url: "https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/ecelayes/roots-skills@main/README.md"
repo: "https://github.com/ecelayes/roots-skills"
source_file: "README.md"
branch: "main"
---
# Roots Skills

The root layer of procedural knowledge for AI agents. This repository contains a curated collection of universal, high-quality skills designed to standardize development workflows, focusing on robust architecture, security, and proven patterns.

These skills are designed to be "stack-agnostic" where possible, meaning the HTMX patterns work for Python/Go/Node, and the Handlebars patterns apply to any engine usage.

## Installation

To install this collection into your AI agent (OpenCode, Cursor, Cline, etc.), run:

npx skills add ecelayes/roots-skills

You can also install specific modules individually if you only need one technology:

npx skills add ecelayes/roots-skills --skill htmx-universal-patterns

## Included Skills

### 1. htmx-universal-patterns
The definitive guide for building Hypermedia-Driven Applications (HDA).
- **Universal:** Works with any backend (Django, Rails, Go, Node, etc.).
- **Security First:** Enforces CSRF protection in headers or forms and output escaping.
- **UX Patterns:** Automates the use of hx-indicator for visual feedback.
- **Architecture:** Enforces the "Partials over JSON" rule and correct HTTP status code handling (422 for errors, 200 for swaps).

### 2. koa-advanced-patterns
Professional standards for Node.js backend development using Koa.
- **Reliability:** Enforces Graceful Shutdown implementation (SIGTERM/SIGINT) to prevent data loss.
- **Middleware:** Teaches the correct async/await chain and "Onion Model" execution.
- **Context:** strict guidelines on using `ctx.state` vs `ctx.body` to avoid pollution.
- **Security:** usage of signed cookies and centralized error handling.

### 3. handlebars-pure-patterns
Best practices for logic-less templating.
- **Philosophy:** Prevents logic leakage into views.
- **Componentization:** Encourages the use of atomic partials for cleaner code and HTMX compatibility.
- **Syntax:** Clarifies escaping ({{}}) vs raw ({{{}}}) usage to prevent XSS.

## Usage

Once installed, the agent will automatically reference these skills when relevant. You can verify they are active by prompting:

- "Create a secure form with HTMX that handles validation errors."
- "Setup a robust Koa server with graceful shutdown."
- "Refactor this HTML block into a reusable Handlebars partial."

## License

MIT