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chezmoi

Automate dotfile management and synchronization across machines with declarative state.

9|Updated Feb 15, 2026
Search Tags:#automation#template#dotfiles#configuration#scripting#chezmoi#attributes
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gwenwindflower/dotfiles --skill chezmoi-gwenwindflower
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: chezmoi
Source: https://github.com/gwenwindflower/dotfiles/tree/main/dot_agents/exact_skills/chezmoi
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gwenwindflower/dotfiles --skill chezmoi-gwenwindflower

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Manage and synchronize your dotfiles across machines by maintaining a versioned source of truth and applying it to your home directory with deterministic state.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Declarative state: source, destination, and target states for dotfiles and templates.
  • Attribute-driven management: supports dot_, private_, executable_, and .tmpl to control file behavior and templating.
  • Workflow and hooks: supports application order, before/after scripts, and chezmoi's script/model for extensibility.
  • Use Case: initialize a dotfiles repo, add files, and apply changes to ensure your home directory matches the declared state.

Quick Start

Initialize your chezmoi repository and start managing your dotfiles with a single setup command.

Frequently Asked Questions about chezmoi

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate dotfile management across multiple machines?▼

Use a declarative source-of-truth to manage dotfiles by defining source, destination, and target states. This approach enforces a deterministic workflow with hooks and script ordering to ensure reproducible home-directory deployments.

How do I keep my home directory configuration reproducible when switching computers?▼

Initialize a dotfiles repository, add your configuration files, and apply changes to ensure your home directory matches the declared state. This single setup workflow makes your configuration reproducible when switching computers.

Can I use templates to control configuration file behavior during synchronization?▼

Yes, you can use templates to control configuration file behavior by applying attributes like dot_, private_, executable_, and .tmpl. These attributes drive file handling and templating to ensure predictable home-directory configuration.

What is the best way to manage private and executable dotfiles declaratively?▼

Manage private and executable dotfiles declaratively by using attribute-driven file handling with private_ and executable_ attributes. This method enforces a deterministic workflow ensuring predictable home-directory configuration across machines.

Do I need to run scripts before or after applying dotfile state changes?▼

You can run scripts before or after applying dotfile state changes using the workflow and hooks system. This supports application order and before/after scripts to ensure reproducible deployments and extensibility.

Why use a declarative source-of-truth for dotfile synchronization?▼

Use a declarative source-of-truth for dotfile synchronization to ensure your home directory matches a declared state. This approach enforces a deterministic workflow with hooks, script ordering, and templates to guarantee reproducible deployments across machines.

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