Chain

Break the silos. Forge the connection. Transform your AI development workflow.

One chain to rule them all. Connect your rules, skills, and workflows across 20+ AI editors with a single, unbreakable link.

The Chain Revolution

In the fragmented world of AI development, every editor speaks its own language. Rules get duplicated. Skills go missing. Workflows break. Chain is the missing link that creates a seamless connection across your entire AI ecosystem.

Chain transforms chaos into harmony — one source of truth that flows through every editor like a perfectly forged chain, ensuring consistency, eliminating duplication, and amplifying your development power.

Why Chain Changes Everything

🚀 Unbreakable Connection

Create a single, powerful link between your development standards and every AI editor. No more scattered rules, no more version conflicts — just pure, uninterrupted flow.

⚡ Lightning-Fast Sync

With one command, watch as Chain instantly distributes your latest rules, skills, and workflows across your entire AI arsenal. Updates propagate at the speed of thought.

🔗 Forged in Steel

Built with TypeScript precision and tested across 424+ test cases, Chain is the unbreakable backbone your AI development workflow deserves.

The Chain Experience

• 🌐 Universal Adapter Network — Seamlessly connect to 20+ AI editors: Cursor, Windsurf, Claude Code, Kiro, Trae, Gemini, Copilot, Codex, Aider, Roo, KiloCode, Antigravity, Bolt, Warp, Replit, Cline, Amazon Q, Junie, Augment, Zed, Continue
• ⚙️ Single Source of Truth — Your .chain/ directory becomes the master forge where all rules, skills, and workflows are crafted once and distributed everywhere
• 🎯 Intelligent Context Injection — PROJECT.md automatically enriches every AI editor with deep project understanding
• 🔧 Precision Overrides — Fine-tune connections per editor while maintaining the golden chain of consistency
• 🌟 Dynamic Entry Points — Auto-generates .cursorrules, .windsurfrules, CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, and more
• 🔌 MCP Integration — Distributes Model Context Protocol servers across your connected editors
• 🌲 Cross-Project Forest — Plant your rules once and watch them grow across multiple projects
• 🔄 Auto-Sync Intelligence — Smart promotion, diff detection, and orphan cleanup keep your chain pristine
• 🧠 Tech Stack Telepathy — Automatically detects your language, framework, runtime, and database
• 📚 Template Treasury — 8 battle-tested stack templates ready to deploy
• 🎨 Skill Arsenal — 7+ core skills, 14 specialist roles, 4 workflow templates
• 🔌 Extensible Architecture — Plugin system for any editor, now or future
• 👁️ Crystal Ball Mode — Preview changes before they materialize
• 👁️ Eternal Watch — Auto-sync on every file change, keeping your chain ever-strong
• ✅ Guardian Validation — Pre-flight checks ensure your chain remains unbroken
• 🛠️ Smart Settings — Auto-generates .editorconfig and .vscode/settings.json
• 🧹 Intelligent Cleanup — Removes broken links while preserving your valuable content
• 🚫 Smart Git Integration — Manages generated files intelligently
• ⚡ Pre-Commit Power — Auto-installs hooks that strengthen your chain before every commit
• 🏗️ Monorepo Mastery — Conquer entire code forests with sync-all

Installation

🚀 npm Package (Recommended)

# Install with npm
npm install @silverfox14/chain
npx @silverfox14/chain init
npx @silverfox14/chain sync

# Install with Bun (faster)
bun add @silverfox14/chain
bunx @silverfox14/chain init
bunx @silverfox14/chain sync

# Install with pnpm
pnpm add @silverfox14/chain
pnpm dlx @silverfox14/chain init
pnpm dlx @silverfox14/chain sync

📦 Alternative Installation Methods

# Method 1: Global installation
npm install -g @silverfox14/chain
# or
bun add -g @silverfox14/chain

# Use from anywhere
chain init
chain sync

# Method 2: Direct usage (no install)
npx @silverfox14/chain init
bunx @silverfox14/chain init

🔧 Development Setup

# For developers wanting to contribute
git clone https://github.com/martijnbokma/chain.git
cd chain
bun install
bun run build
bun run test:run  # Verify everything works

Quick Start: 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Install Chain

npm install @silverfox14/chain
# or
bun add @silverfox14/chain

Step 2: Configure & Initialize

npx @silverfox14/chain init
# or
bunx @silverfox14/chain init

The wizard will ask you:

• ✅ Which AI editors you use (Cursor, Windsurf, Claude, etc.)
• ✅ Your tech stack (React, Node.js, Python, etc.)
• 🔄 NEW: Share skills across multiple projects? (Creates shared content hub)

Cross-Project Sync Option:

• Yes: Creates a shared content hub (default: ~/.chain-shared)
• No: Each project has its own content

Benefits of Shared Content:

• 🎯 One place to update skills/rules
• 🔄 Auto-sync across all projects
• 📈 Consistent AI behavior everywhere
• 👥 Perfect for teams and multi-project workflows

Step 3: Sync to Your Editors

npx @silverfox14/chain sync
# or  
bunx @silverfox14/chain sync

🎉 That's it! Your AI editors now have shared rules, skills, and workflows.

🚀 Using Chain in Your Project

After installing @silverfox14/chain, you have several ways to use it:

🎯 Method 1: Direct Usage (Easiest - No Setup Needed)

# Install and use immediately
npm install @silverfox14/chain
npx @silverfox14/chain menu
npx @silverfox14/chain sync
npx @silverfox14/chain watch

⚡ Method 2: Add Scripts (Recommended for Daily Use)

Add these scripts to your project's package.json:

{
  "scripts": {
    "chain:menu": "@silverfox14/chain menu",
    "chain:sync": "@silverfox14/chain sync", 
    "chain:watch": "@silverfox14/chain watch",
    "chain:validate": "@silverfox14/chain validate",
    "chain:smart-sync": "@silverfox14/chain smart-sync",
    "chain:performance": "@silverfox14/chain performance"
  }
}

Now you can simply run:

npm run chain:menu      # Open interactive menu
npm run chain:sync      # Sync to all editors
npm run chain:watch     # Auto-sync on changes

🌍 Method 3: Global Installation (Use Anywhere)

npm install -g @silverfox14/chain
# Then use from any directory:
chain menu
chain sync
chain watch

💡 Quick Start Summary

For beginners - just run these 3 commands:

# 1. Install
npm install @silverfox14/chain

# 2. Initialize (choose shared content for multi-project sync)
npx @silverfox14/chain init

# 3. Open menu
npx @silverfox14/chain menu

For multi-project workflows:

# During init, choose "Yes" for sharing across projects
# Your shared hub will be created at ~/.chain-shared
# All projects will automatically use the same skills/rules

Pro tip: Add this alias to your shell for easier usage:

echo 'alias chain="npx @silverfox14/chain"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

That's it. The wizard forges your initial chain with minimal questions, auto-detecting your tech stack and establishing connections to your chosen editors.

🔄 Share Your Chain Across Projects

Want to use the same AI rules, skills, and workflows across multiple projects? Chain makes it easy:

Quickest Setup - Shared Local Hub

# 1. Create your shared content hub (one-time setup)
mkdir ~/.chain-hub
cd ~/.chain-hub
npx @silverfox14/chain init
# Add your custom skills, rules, workflows here

# 2. Use in any project
cd your-project
echo "content_sources:
  - type: local
    path: ~/.chain-hub" > chain.yaml
npx @silverfox14/chain sync

Team Collaboration - Git Repository

# 1. Create shared repo
git clone https://github.com/yourteam/ai-rules.git ~/ai-rules
cd ~/ai-rules
npx @silverfox14/chain init

# 2. Use in projects
content_sources:
  - type: local
    path: ~/ai-rules

📖 See Cross-Project Setup below for advanced options.

For teams building interconnected project ecosystems:

npx @silverfox14/chain init --advanced

Your Chain Architecture

After initiation, your project transforms into a connected powerhouse:

your-project/
├── chain.yaml                   # The master key — editors, metadata, tech stack
├── .chain/                      # Your forge (central content hub)
│   ├── PROJECT.md               # Project soul → flows to all entry points
│   ├── rules/                   # Development laws → all editors
│   │   └── project-conventions.md
│   ├── skills/                  # AI abilities → all editors
│   │   ├── code-review.md
│   │   ├── debug-assistant.md
│   │   ├── refactor.md
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── workflows/               # Dev processes → Windsurf, Kiro
│   │   ├── create-prd.md
│   │   ├── generate-tasks.md
│   │   └── ...
│   └── overrides/               # Editor-specific fine-tuning
│       ├── cursor/
│       ├── claude/
│       └── ...

│ # ↓ AUTO-FORGED by `chain sync` ↓
├── .cursor/rules/               # Cursor connections
├── .windsurf/rules/             # Windsurf connections
├── .claude/rules/               # Claude connections
├── CLAUDE.md                    # Claude entry point
├── .cursorrules                 # Cursor entry point
├── .windsurfrules               # Windsurf entry point
├── AGENTS.md                    # Codex/Aider entry point
└── ...

Configuration: Forge Your Master Key

chain.yaml - The heart of your chain:

version: "1.0"

extends:
  - stacks/nextjs                # Inherit battle-tested templates

editors:
  cursor: true
  windsurf: true
  claude: true
  kiro: false
  trae: false
  gemini: false
  copilot: false

metadata:
  name: "My Project"
  description: "A revolutionary web application"

tech_stack:
  language: typescript
  framework: nextjs
  database: supabase

mcp_servers:
  - name: filesystem
    command: npx
    args: ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "./src"]

settings:
  indent_size: 2
  indent_style: space
  format_on_save: true

# Share your chain across projects (optional)
content_sources:
  - type: local
    path: ../shared-ai-rules
  - type: package
    name: "@my-org/ai-rules"

# Plugin system for any editor (optional)
custom_editors:
  - name: supermaven
    rules_dir: .supermaven/rules
    skills_dir: .supermaven/skills
    entry_point: SUPERMAVEN.md

The Connected Editor Ecosystem

Chain connects you to the complete AI development landscape:

| Editor | Rules | Skills | Workflows | MCP | Entry Point | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Cursor | .cursor/rules/ | .cursor/commands/ | — | .cursor/mcp.json | .cursorrules | | Windsurf | .windsurf/rules/ | .windsurf/skills/ | ✓ | — | .windsurfrules | | Claude Code | .claude/rules/ | .claude/skills/ | — | .claude/settings.json | CLAUDE.md | | Kiro | .kiro/steering/ | .kiro/specs/workflows/ | ✓ | .kiro/settings/mcp.json | — | | Trae | .trae/rules/ | .trae/skills/ | — | — | — | | Gemini | .gemini/ | — | — | — | GEMINI.md | | Copilot | .github/instructions/ | .github/instructions/ | — | .vscode/mcp.json | .github/copilot-instructions.md | | Codex | .codex/ | .codex/skills/ | — | — | AGENTS.md | | Aider | .aider/ | — | — | — | AGENTS.md | | Roo | .roo/rules/ | .roo/skills/ | — | .roo/mcp.json | — | | KiloCode | .kilocode/rules/ | .kilocode/skills/ | — | .kilocode/mcp.json | — | | Antigravity | .agent/rules/ | .agent/skills/ | — | — | — | | Bolt | .bolt/ | — | — | — | .bolt/prompt | | Warp | .warp/rules/ | — | — | — | WARP.md | | Replit | .replit/ | — | — | — | replit.md | | Cline | .clinerules/ | — | — | — | — | | Amazon Q | .amazonq/rules/ | — | — | .amazonq/default.json | — | | Junie | .junie/ | — | — | — | .junie/guidelines.md | | Augment | .augment/rules/ | — | — | — | — | | Zed | .zed/rules/ | — | — | — | .rules | | Continue | .continue/rules/ | — | — | — | — |

Template Treasury: Ready-to-Forge Templates

Stack Templates - Battle-Tested Foundations

Inherit proven configurations to jumpstart your chain:

extends:
  - stacks/nextjs

| Template | Language | Framework | Indent | |---|---|---|---| | stacks/nextjs | TypeScript | Next.js | 2 spaces | | stacks/react | TypeScript | React | 2 spaces | | stacks/vue | TypeScript | Vue | 2 spaces | | stacks/svelte | TypeScript | SvelteKit | 2 spaces | | stacks/python-api | Python | FastAPI | 4 spaces | | stacks/django | Python | Django | 4 spaces | | stacks/rails | Ruby | Rails | 2 spaces | | stacks/go-api | Go | Gin | tabs |

Skill Arsenal - AI Capabilities Ready to Deploy

Automatically copied to .chain/skills/ during initiation:

| Skill | Description | |---|---| | code-review.md | Systematic code review with comprehensive checklist | | debug-assistant.md | Step-by-step debugging methodology | | finding-refactor-candidates.md | Identify code ripe for refactoring | | refactor.md | Transform code without breaking functionality | | verifying-responsiveness.md | Ensure responsive design excellence | | framework-discovery.md | Uncover framework patterns and conventions | | incremental-development.md | Build features through iterative development |

Specialist Roles - Expert AI Personalities

14 role-based specialist skills in skills/specialists/:

accessibility-specialist · api-designer · backend-developer · database-specialist · devops-engineer · frontend-developer · fullstack-developer · performance-specialist · qa-tester · security-specialist · technical-writer · typescript-specialist · ui-designer · ux-designer

Workflow Templates - Development Process Blueprints

Copied to .chain/workflows/ during initiation:

| Workflow | Description | |---|---| | create-prd.md | Forge comprehensive Product Requirements Documents | | generate-tasks.md | Transform PRDs into actionable task lists | | implementation-loop.md | Master iterative development cycles | | refactor-prd.md | Strategic PRDs for refactoring missions |

Cross-Project Chain Network

Share your forged chain across multiple projects, creating an interconnected development ecosystem:

🎯 Choose Your Content Hub Strategy

Pick the approach that fits your workflow:

| Approach | Best For | Setup | |---|---|---| | Local Folder | Solo developers, small teams | chain init --shared | | Git Repository | Teams wanting version control | git init ai-content-hub | | npm Package | Organizations, multi-team | npm init @myorg/ai-rules |

📖 See the complete Central Content Setup Guide for detailed instructions.

Quick Examples

Local Folder (Easiest):

content_sources:
  - type: local
    path: ~/.chain
    include: [rules, skills, workflows]

Git Repository (Team Collaboration):

content_sources:
  - type: local
    path: ../ai-content-hub

npm Package (Enterprise):

content_sources:
  - type: package
    name: "@myorg/ai-rules"

Hybrid (Best of All Worlds):

content_sources:
  - type: package
    name: "@myorg/ai-rules"        # Base content
  - type: local
    path: ../team-workflows        # Team-specific
  - type: local
    path: ./my-personal-rules     # Personal overrides

Local content always takes priority over shared content. New local files are auto-promoted to the central hub during sync. Diffs between local and shared content are detected with interactive prompts to keep your chain strong.

Chain Commands: Master Your Connections

| Command | Description | |---|---| | npx @silverfox14/chain init | Forge your initial chain (auto-detects tech stack, quick setup) | | npx @silverfox14/chain init --advanced | Master forge wizard with content sources and detailed tech stack | | npx @silverfox14/chain init --force | Re-forge (overwrites existing chain) | | npx @silverfox14/chain init --shared | Create shared content hub for cross-project sync | | npx @silverfox14/chain sync | Strengthen all connections to enabled editors | | npx @silverfox14/chain sync --dry-run | Preview chain strengthening before execution | | npx @silverfox14/chain validate | Verify chain integrity and content | | npx @silverfox14/chain watch | Eternal watch mode - auto-sync on every change | | npx @silverfox14/chain sync-all | Conquer entire monorepo forests | | npx @silverfox14/chain sync-all --dry-run | Preview monorepo conquest | | npx @silverfox14/chain promote <file> | Promote local content to shared hub | | npx @silverfox14/chain promote <file> --force | Force promotion to shared hub |

CI/CD Integration: Automated Chain Strength

npm scripts (auto-forged by init)

{
  "scripts": {
    "chain:init": "@silverfox14/chain init",
    "chain:sync": "@silverfox14/chain sync",
    "chain:dry": "@silverfox14/chain sync --dry-run",
    "chain:watch": "@silverfox14/chain watch"
  }
}

GitHub Actions - Chain Integrity Guardian

name: Chain Integrity Check
on:
  pull_request:
    paths: ['.chain/**', 'chain.yaml']
jobs:
  check:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - uses: oven-sh/setup-bun@v2
      - run: npm install @silverfox14/chain
      - run: npx @silverfox14/chain sync
      - name: Verify chain integrity
        run: |
          if [[ -n $(git status --porcelain) ]]; then
            echo "::error::Chain is out of sync!"
            echo "Run 'npx @silverfox14/chain sync' and commit the changes."
            exit 1
          fi

Development: Forge Chain Contributions

bun install          # Install dependencies
bun run typecheck    # TypeScript precision check
bun run test:run     # Run comprehensive test suite
bun run test:coverage # Generate coverage reports
bun run build        # Forge for npm distribution

Testing: Unbreakable Chain Quality

Chain uses Vitest for ironclad testing with comprehensive coverage:

• bun run test - Watch mode for continuous forging
• bun run test:run - Complete test execution
• bun run test:coverage - Generate detailed coverage reports in coverage/

See CONTRIBUTING.md for detailed forging instructions and quality standards.

Documentation: Master the Chain

• docs/GUIDE.md — Complete chain mastery guide covering all features in exhaustive detail
• docs/PUBLISHING.md — How to publish Chain to the npm registry

Contributing: Strengthen the Chain

Want to help forge a stronger Chain? See CONTRIBUTING.md for setup instructions, architecture insights, and contribution guidelines.

License

MIT - Forge freely, share widely.

Chain: Where fragmented AI development becomes unified power.

Break the silos. Forge the connection. Transform your workflow.