One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/samcdavid/dotfiles --skill gotcha-samcdavid
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: gotcha
Source: https://github.com/samcdavid/dotfiles/tree/main/claude/skills/gotcha
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/samcdavid/dotfiles --skill gotcha-samcdavid

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Capture a failure pattern or anti-pattern as a gotcha for an existing skill. Build institutional knowledge over time by preserving lessons learned from Claude interactions.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Record and persist gotchas for any skill directory under ~/.dotfiles/claude/skills/.
  • Append structured entries to a centralized gotchas.md file to enable de-duplication and knowledge reuse.
  • Serve as a learning resource to guide future interactions and skill improvements across teams.

Quick Start

Identify a misstep and append it to ~/.dotfiles/claude/skills/gotcha/gotchas.md.

Frequently Asked Questions about gotcha

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I document a failure pattern to prevent repeating the same mistake in future workflows?▼

To document a failure pattern, you record it as a gotcha entry in a centralized gotchas.md file. This captures anti-patterns and preserves institutional knowledge to guide future interactions and workflow improvements.

What is a gotcha entry in knowledge management and incident learning?▼

A gotcha entry in knowledge management is a structured record of a non-obvious failure pattern or anti-pattern. It serves as a learning resource to harden future work by preventing repeated mistakes across teams.

How do I append a retrospective lesson to an existing skill directory?▼

You append a retrospective lesson by invoking the gotcha capture process when a mistake is corrected. It appends a structured, de-duplicated entry to the gotchas.md file within the specific skill directory.

Can I use this approach to build institutional knowledge from Claude interactions without external dependencies?▼

Yes, you can build institutional knowledge from Claude interactions without external dependencies. It operates locally by appending structured entries to markdown files within your existing skill directories.

When should I capture a gotcha during a development session?▼

You should capture a gotcha when Claude makes a mistake, when you correct an approach, or when a non-obvious pattern is discovered. This ensures the failure pattern is recorded immediately for future reference.

Does this knowledge management method support de-duplication of recorded anti-patterns?▼

Yes, this knowledge management method supports de-duplication of recorded anti-patterns. It creates or updates the gotchas.md file with generic guidance while ensuring duplicate failure patterns are filtered out.