fork-it

Before the user starts coding a new project idea, search GitHub for an existing repo to fork as a starting point. Skip for debugging, learning, or a specific algorithm/function.

Method: search GitHub before building from scratch, fork the closest match, then make it yours.

Language

Reply in the user's language. Script output is language-neutral (English repo data); translate names, descriptions, and your commentary when presenting.

When to use

• User wants to build / create / make something new (any language), or invokes /fork-it.
• Skip when: debugging or fixing existing code, learning/teaching, asking about a specific function/algorithm/regex, or they've already chosen a base project.

Workflow

1. Search with their keywords:

   bash

   node scripts/github-search.mjs "keywords" --language js --min-stars 50 --limit 5
   

2. Analyze each result by fit:
   • Great match → fork & customize
   • Partial match → fork & extend (add the missing piece)
   • Reference only → study the approach, then build your own
   • Nothing fits → build fresh
3. Recommend the best 1–3 candidates (stars / language / what it gives them) with the suggested path. If nothing fits, say so and encourage a from-scratch build.
4. Details on demand — when the user leans toward one repo, fetch more with:

   bash

   node scripts/repo-detail.mjs "owner/repo"
   

Notes

• Format stars as 12.3k, pushed_days_ago as "3 days ago". Full JSON shape and all flags: references/schema.md.
• Rate limit: 60/hr unauthenticated, 5000/hr with GITHUB_TOKEN. Set it if searches start failing.