Why is using ~/.appname considered an anti-pattern?

Storing files directly in the home directory creates clutter and ignores user preferences. Following XDG standards allows users to easily backup configs, clear caches, and manage data separately.

What is the XDG Base Directory Specification?

It is a standard for Linux and Unix-like systems that defines where applications should store configuration, data, and cache files to keep user home directories organized and manageable.

How does this skill handle Windows and macOS?

While XDG is Linux-centric, this skill provides implementation patterns using the platformdirs library, which maps these concepts to native locations like AppData on Windows and Library/Application Support on macOS.

What is the difference between XDG_DATA_HOME and XDG_CONFIG_HOME?

XDG_CONFIG_HOME is for user-specific configuration files (settings/preferences), while XDG_DATA_HOME is for persistent data files, such as databases or downloaded assets.

XDG Base Directory Standardizer

Name: XDG Base Directory Standardizer
Author: BbgnsurfTech

byBbgnsurfTech

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Developer Tools

Implements standardized Linux and cross-platform directory paths for application configuration, data, cache, and state files.

This skill enables Claude to correctly implement the XDG Base Directory Specification in your software projects, ensuring user-specific files are stored in industry-standard locations. It provides comprehensive patterns for environment variable handling, absolute path validation, and fallback logic to prevent home directory clutter. Whether building Linux-native CLI tools or cross-platform Python applications using libraries like platformdirs, this skill ensures your file storage architecture follows modern best practices for organization and user preference.

Key Features

013 GitHub stars

02Cross-platform implementation patterns using Python stdlib or the platformdirs library

03Automatic fallback handling for unset or invalid environment variables

04Standardized directory path resolution for Config, Data, Cache, State, and Runtime files

05Structured directory selection logic based on data characteristics and persistence needs

06Strict validation of environment variables to ensure absolute path compliance

Use Cases

01Standardizing configuration and log management for Linux and Unix-based software

02Migrating legacy CLI tools from cluttered ~/.appname paths to XDG-compliant structures

03Building robust cross-platform applications that respect native OS directory conventions

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add bbgnsurftech/claude-skills-collection xdg-base-directory

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

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