glab

This skill enables Claude Code to effectively assist with GitLab workflows using the official glab CLI tool. It provides detailed knowledge about GitLab operations including merge requests, issues, CI/CD pipelines, repository management, and more.

• Core workflows: Common GitLab operations (MRs, issues, CI/CD, repos)
• Authentication guidance: Quick setup for GitLab.com and self-hosted instances
• Best practices: When and how to use glab effectively
• Progressive disclosure: Concise core instructions with detailed references loaded as needed
• Comprehensive references: Detailed command docs, troubleshooting, and quick reference guides

Installing the Skill

This skill should be placed in your Claude Code skills directory:

```bash

# For project-specific installation

mkdir -p .claude/skills

git clone https://github.com/henricook/claude-glab-skill .claude/skills/glab

# For personal/global installation

mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills

git clone https://github.com/henricook/claude-glab-skill ~/.claude/skills/glab

```

After installation, your directory structure will be:

```

.claude/skills/glab/

├── SKILL.md # Core skill (~200 lines, loaded when skill invoked)

├── references/ # Detailed docs (loaded only as needed)

│ ├── commands-detailed.md # Comprehensive command reference

│ ├── quick-reference.md # Command cheat sheet

│ └── troubleshooting.md # Detailed error scenarios

├── README.md

├── CONTRIBUTING.md

├── CHANGELOG.md

└── LICENSE

```

Installing glab CLI

Before using this skill, ensure glab is installed on your system:

macOS:

```bash

brew install glab

```

Linux:

```bash

# Debian/Ubuntu

sudo apt install glab

# Fedora/RHEL

sudo dnf install glab

# Arch Linux

sudo pacman -S glab

```

Windows:

```powershell

# Using Chocolatey

choco install glab

# Using Scoop

scoop install glab

```

From source:

```bash

go install gitlab.com/gitlab-org/cli/cmd/glab@latest

```

For more installation options, visit: https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/cli

Once installed, Claude Code will automatically detect when you need GitLab CLI assistance and can invoke this skill. You can also explicitly invoke it:

```

@claude using the glab skill, help me create a merge request

```

Or simply ask Claude Code to perform GitLab operations:

```

Can you list my open merge requests?

Create an issue for the bug we just found

Show me the status of the CI pipeline

```

This skill follows the progressive disclosure design principle for optimal performance:

Three-Level Context Loading

1. SKILL.md frontmatter (~50 chars) - Loaded first for skill discovery and invocation
2. SKILL.md body (~200 lines) - Core workflows and patterns loaded when skill is invoked
3. references/ folder - Detailed documentation loaded into context only as needed

SKILL.md (Core Instructions)

The main skill file is concise and focused on:

• When to use glab for different tasks
• Essential authentication setup
• Common workflow patterns (not exhaustive command lists)
• Best practices and quick fixes
• References to detailed documentation

Why it's concise: Loads quickly when invoked, providing immediate guidance without overwhelming context.

references/ (Detailed Documentation)

commands-detailed.md - Load when:

• User needs specific flag or option details
• Working with advanced commands (API, variables, schedules)
• Need comprehensive command examples

troubleshooting.md - Load when:

• Encountering authentication or connection errors
• Debugging CI/CD pipeline issues
• Need detailed error scenarios and solutions

quick-reference.md - L