File Management Skill
_A battle-tested approach to keeping your AI agent workspace organized and maintainable._
Overview
This skill documents the file management system developed through real-world use of OpenClaw. It covers workspace structure, naming conventions, dead file detection, and cleanup practices.
When to Use This Skill
- Onboarding a new agent or setting up a fresh workspace
- Performing periodic workspace audits
- Before making significant changes to workspace structure
- When workspace feels cluttered or disorganized
Core Principles
1. Every File Has a Purpose
- Active files: Scripts, configs, and data in use by cron jobs or agents
- Reference files: Documentation, strategies, and notes
- Archived files: Old versions, completed project artifacts
- Dead files: Abandoned scripts, old experiments, unused utilities
2. Structure Mirrors Function
workspace/
├── memory/ # Daily session logs and working context
├── skills/ # Installed skill directories
├── project-1/ # Project-specific directories
├── project-2/
├── ACTIVE.md # Currently running projects & priorities
├── DREAMS.md # Background processing notes
└── ARCHIVED/ # Completed or abandoned projects3. Naming Conventions
- Scripts: Use
.shfor bash,.pyfor Python,.jsfor JavaScript - Logs: End with
.log - Configs: End with
.json,.yaml, or.md - Daily notes:
memory/YYYY-MM-DD.mdformat
4. Audit Regularly
Run workspace audits monthly or after major changes. Use the audit script to identify:
- Dead files (no references from active crons or scripts)
- Large files consuming storage
- Outdated documentation
Quick Audit Commands
# Find files not referenced by any cron or script
grep -r "filename" ~/path/to/workspace/ --include="*.sh" --include="*.py" --include="*.js"
# Find recently modified files
find ~/path/to/workspace -type f -mtime -7
# Check disk usage by directory
du -sh ~/path/to/workspace/*/Cleanup Best Practices
- Never delete immediately — use
trashinstead ofrm - Document before deleting — note what a file did in memory first
- Verify before cleanup — confirm no active references
- Commit before major cleanup — create a revert point
Full Documentation
See FILE-MANAGEMENT.md for the complete reference implementation, including:
- Directory structure explainer
- Active vs archived file definitions
- Dead file detection criteria
- Example cleanup checklists