sprite_skill

Overview

This skill controls InnerClaude instances running on Sprites.dev VMs for testing workflows, install patterns, and Claude-to-Claude interaction. It documents the tmux + pipe-pane capture pattern, checkpoint/restore behavior, and bootstrap steps so OuterClaude can reliably operate an InnerClaude. Use it before any sprite exec, InnerClaude, or remote VM operations that involve automating CLI-driven Claude sessions.

How this skill works

The skill automates a tmux session on the sprite to run the claude CLI, captures the interactive UI with tmux pipe-pane (not capture-pane), and sends keystrokes into the session using tmux send-keys. It ensures a valid CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN is exported inside the tmux session, handles workspace trust and permission dialogs, and documents the TWO-ENTER submission pattern required by the InnerClaude UI. It also covers checkpointing and restoring VM state and explains that environment variables are not preserved by snapshots.

When to use it

• Testing automated workflows where Claude controls another Claude (Outer→Inner pattern).
• Remote development on persistent Sprites.dev Ubuntu VMs requiring an interactive claude session.
• Creating reproducible install or bootstrap tests that need checkpoint/restore of VM state.
• Bootstrapping new sprites with auth and tooling installed for subsequent automated runs.
• Diagnosing interactive UI behavior that capture-pane cannot observe.

Best practices

• Always export CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN inside the tmux session; snapshots do not persist env vars.
• Use the literal NVM path /.sprite/languages/node/nvm/nvm.sh — avoid $NVM_DIR to prevent escaping issues.
• Use tmux pipe-pane "cat > /tmp/claude-output.txt" to capture the alternate-screen UI, then filter with strings.
• Wait 20–30 seconds after starting claude before reading output; verify with wc -c on the output file.
• Submit messages with Enter Enter (first adds newline in input box, second actually sends).

Example use cases

• Run end-to-end tests where OuterClaude issues prompts and verifies InnerClaude responses on a sprite.
• Automate install flows that require interactive permission prompts and file edits inside InnerClaude.
• Create checkpoint before a risky install, restore to a clean snapshot, and repeat tests deterministically.
• Bootstrap a fresh sprite: install tools, authenticate GH, save a checkpoint, and replay builds.
• Capture and replay dialog interactions to validate UI prompts and permission flows.