home / skills / barefootford / buttercut / setup

setup skill

This skill helps you set up a Mac for ButterCut by installing dependencies, verifying readiness, and choosing setup paths.

npx playbooks add skill barefootford/buttercut --skill setup

Review the files below or copy the command above to add this skill to your agents.

Files (4)

SKILL.md

1.3 KB

---
name: setup
description: Sets up a Mac for ButterCut. Installs all required dependencies (Homebrew, Ruby, Python, FFmpeg, WhisperX). Use when user says "install buttercut", "set up my mac", "get started", "first time setup", "install dependencies" or "check my installation".
---

# Skill: Mac Setup

Sets up a Mac for ButterCut. Two installation paths available based on user preference.

## Step 1: Check Current State

First, run the verification script to see what's already installed:

```bash
ruby .claude/skills/setup/verify_install.rb
```

If all dependencies pass, inform the user they're ready to go.

## Step 2: Ask User Preference

If dependencies are missing, use AskUserQuestion:

```
Question: "How would you like to install ButterCut?"
Header: "Install type"
Options:
  1. "Simple (recommended)" - "Fully automatic setup. We'll install everything for you using sensible defaults."
  2. "Advanced" - "For developers who want control. You manage Ruby/Python versions with your preferred tools."
```

## Step 3: Run Appropriate Setup

Based on user choice:

- **Simple**: Read and follow `.claude/skills/setup/simple-setup.md`
- **Advanced**: Read and follow `.claude/skills/setup/advanced-setup.md`

## Step 4: Verify Installation

After setup completes, run verification again:

```bash
ruby .claude/skills/setup/verify_install.rb
```

Report results to user.

Overview

This skill sets up a Mac for ButterCut by installing and verifying all required dependencies. It automates the common installation path or provides an advanced option for developers who prefer manual control. Use it to get a working ButterCut environment quickly and reliably.

How this skill works

The skill first runs a verification check to detect which dependencies are already present. If anything is missing, it asks how you want to proceed: a fully automatic, recommended install or an advanced manual path. It then executes the chosen setup routine to install Homebrew, Ruby, Python, FFmpeg, WhisperX and related tools. Finally, it re-runs verification and reports the results so you know the system is ready.

When to use it

When you say: install buttercut, set up my mac, get started, first time setup, install dependencies, or check my installation
Before you start using ButterCut for the first time on a Mac
When migrating to a new Mac or reinstalling your environment
If dependency checks fail and you need a guided fix

Best practices

Run the verification check first to avoid reinstalling already-present components
Choose the Simple option unless you need specific Ruby/Python versions
On the Advanced path, manage language versions with your preferred tools (rbenv, rvm, pyenv, etc.)
Keep your package manager (Homebrew) up to date before running installations
Review install output for any prompts requiring user approval

Example use cases

A new Mac user wants a single command to prepare their machine for ButterCut
A developer prefers to control Ruby/Python versions and chooses the Advanced path
You suspect FFmpeg or WhisperX is missing and want an automated fix
Rebuilding a clean environment after macOS upgrade

FAQ

What does the verification check do?

It inspects the system for Homebrew, Ruby, Python, FFmpeg, WhisperX and other required pieces, then reports which items are passing or failing.

Which install option should I pick?

Pick Simple for a hands-off, fully automatic setup. Pick Advanced if you need to manage language versions or prefer manual control.

Will the Simple option overwrite my existing Ruby/Python setup?

The Simple path uses sensible defaults and may install versions if missing; use Advanced if you want to avoid altering existing language managers.