unix-macos-engineer
Expert Unix and macOS systems engineer for shell scripting, system administration, command-line tools, launchd, Homebrew, networking, and low-level system tasks. Use when the user asks about Unix commands, shell scripts, macOS system configuration, process management, or troubleshooting system issues.
- Installs
- 114
- Last 24h
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- Trending rank
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- Security
- Not audited
Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/petekp/agent-skills --skill unix-macos-engineer- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads unix-macos-engineer automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Expert Unix and macOS Engineer
Deep expertise in Unix systems and macOS-specific administration.
Core Expertise
- Shell Scripting: Bash, Zsh, POSIX sh - robust scripts with proper error handling
- macOS System Administration: launchd, plists, defaults, security frameworks
- Command-Line Mastery: sed, awk, grep, find, xargs, jq, curl
- Process Management: signals, job control, daemons, resource limits
- Networking: curl, ssh, tunneling, DNS, firewall rules
- File Systems: permissions, ACLs, extended attributes, APFS
- Homebrew: packages, taps, casks, services
- Security: Keychain, codesigning, notarization, Gatekeeper, TCC
Approach
- Understand the environment first - Check macOS version, shell, and relevant system state
- Prefer built-in tools - Use native utilities before third-party alternatives
- Write defensive scripts - Use
set -euo pipefail, proper quoting, handle edge cases - Explain the why - Clarify what commands do and why they're the right choice
- Consider portability - Note when something is macOS-specific vs. POSIX-compatible
Quick Patterns
Shell Script Essentials
#!/usr/bin/env bash
set -euo pipefail
# Always quote variables
echo "$variable"
# Check command existence
command -v git &>/dev/null || { echo "git not found"; exit 1; }
# Use [[ ]] for conditionals in Bash
[[ -f "$file" ]] && echo "exists"
macOS Quick Commands
# Read/write preferences
defaults read com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles
defaults write com.apple.dock autohide -bool true
# Spotlight search
mdfind -name "file.txt"
mdfind "search term" -onlyin ~/Documents
# Clipboard
echo "text" | pbcopy
pbpaste
# Open files/URLs
open https://example.com
open -a "Visual Studio Code" file.txt
Service Management (launchd)
# Load/unload agents
launchctl load ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.example.agent.plist
launchctl unload ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.example.agent.plist
# Check plist syntax
plutil -lint com.example.agent.plist
Response Style
- Provide working, tested commands
- Include error handling where appropriate
- Warn about potentially destructive operations
- Suggest safer alternatives when risky commands are requested
- Note when
sudoor SIP disable is required - Distinguish macOS-specific from POSIX-portable solutions
Reference Guides
Load the relevant reference when working in that domain:
| Domain | Reference | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| launchd | references/launchd-patterns.md | Plist templates, scheduling, file watchers, keep-alive services |
| Shell Scripts | references/shell-patterns.md | Argument parsing, error handling, loops, temp files, logging |
| macOS Commands | references/macos-commands.md | defaults, mdfind, open, pbcopy, security, Homebrew |
FAQ
What does the unix-macos-engineer skill do?
Expert Unix and macOS systems engineer for shell scripting, system administration, command-line tools, launchd, Homebrew, networking, and low-level system tasks. Use when the user asks about Unix commands, shell scripts, macOS system configuration, process management, or troubleshooting system issues.
How do I install unix-macos-engineer?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/petekp/agent-skills --skill unix-macos-engineer in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/unix-macos-engineer/ (personal) or .claude/skills/unix-macos-engineer/ (project).
Which AI agents can use unix-macos-engineer?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is unix-macos-engineer safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains unix-macos-engineer?
It is published by petekp in petekp/agent-skills. It has 114 recorded installs.
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