smart-file-writer

smart-file-writer Skill

Automatically diagnoses and resolves file write errors through systematic investigation rather than blind retries. Prevents common write failures proactively.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when any of these occurs:

• "Error writing file" messages
• "Permission denied" or "Access denied" errors
• "No space left on device" errors
• "File exists" conflicts
• "Path too long" errors (Windows)
• "Read-only file system" errors
• Any file write operation failure (Python, CLI, any language)
• Before critical file writes (proactive mode)

Not For / Boundaries

This skill does NOT:

• Handle network file system issues (NFS, SMB) beyond basic diagnostics
• Modify system-level permissions without user confirmation
• Bypass security policies or antivirus software
• Handle database write operations (different error domain)

Required inputs:

• Target file path
• Intended operation (write, append, create, etc.)
• Error message (if reactive mode)

Quick Reference

Diagnostic Checklist (Run Before Retry)

1. Path Validation

import os
# Check path length (Windows: 260 char limit)
if len(filepath) > 260 and os.name == 'nt':
    print(f"Path too long: {len(filepath)} chars")

# Check parent directory exists
parent = os.path.dirname(filepath)
if not os.path.exists(parent):
    print(f"Parent directory missing: {parent}")

2. Permission Check

import os
# Check directory write permission
parent = os.path.dirname(filepath) or '.'
if not os.access(parent, os.W_OK):
    print(f"No write permission: {parent}")

# Check file permissions if exists
if os.path.exists(filepath):
    if not os.access(filepath, os.W_OK):
        print(f"File not writable: {filepath}")

3. Disk Space Check

import shutil
# Check available disk space
stat = shutil.disk_usage(os.path.dirname(filepath) or '.')
free_gb = stat.free / (1024**3)
if free_gb < 0.1:  # Less than 100MB
    print(f"Low disk space: {free_gb:.2f} GB free")