# How to Set Up a Local Development Environment for google/skills: 9-Step Guide

> Quickly set up your local development environment for google/skills with our 9-step guide. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and run a sample skill in minutes.

- Repository: [Google/skills](https://github.com/google/skills)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-08-14

---

**Clone the repository, install Python 3.9+, Node 18+, Terraform ≥1.5, and the Google Cloud SDK, then use `uvx google-agents-cli setup` to register skill modules and verify with a sample skill run.**

The **google/skills** repository is a collection of Markdown-based "skill" definitions that power interactive, code-generation agents. Setting up a local development environment for google/skills requires specific tooling and a repeatable workflow, even though the repository contains no compiled source code. This guide walks through the exact steps derived from the repository's own onboarding instructions and skill files.

## Prerequisites for the google/skills Development Environment

Before cloning the repository, install these core tools. They are referenced across multiple skill files and are essential for running skills that provision GCP resources and execute code samples.

| Tool | Minimum Version | Purpose |
|------|---------------|---------|
| **Git** | Latest | Clone the repository |
| **Python** | 3.9+ | Run the agents-CLI (via `uvx`) |
| **Node.js** | 18+ | Execute JavaScript/TypeScript reference implementations |
| **Terraform** | ≥ 1.5 | Provision GCP resources via IaC |
| **Google Cloud SDK** | Latest | Authenticate and run GCP commands |

The [google-cloud-recipe-onboarding SKILL.md](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/skills/cloud/google-cloud-recipe-onboarding/SKILL.md#L7-L10) outlines billing setup and project creation, and points to the official Cloud SDK installer at [`SKILL.md#L60-L62`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/skills/cloud/google-cloud-recipe-onboarding/SKILL.md#L60-L62).

## Step 1: Clone the google/skills Repository

Retrieve the full set of skill definitions, reference code, and documentation:

```bash
git clone https://github.com/google/skills.git
cd skills

```

## Step 2: Create an Isolated Python Environment

Use a virtual environment to isolate dependencies required by the agents-CLI and any utility scripts:

```bash
python -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: .venv\Scripts\activate

```

## Step 3: Install the Agents CLI

The `google-agents-cli` is the entry point for all skills. Install `uvx` for lightweight package execution, then run the setup command:

```bash
pip install uvx
uvx google-agents-cli setup

```

This registers available skill modules on your machine. The setup process is documented in [`skills/cloud/google-agents-cli-onboarding/SKILL.md#L35-L40`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/skills/cloud/google-agents-cli-onboarding/SKILL.md#L35-L40).

## Step 4: Authenticate to Google Cloud

Most skills interact with GCP resources. Authenticate before running any cloud-related skill:

```bash
gcloud auth login --no-browser  # Or use the standard interactive flow

```

This step is required for skills like Workload Manager and GKE basics to provision resources successfully.

## Step 5: Select Your Development Environment

The repository distinguishes **production** and **development** contexts. As noted in [`skills/cloud/agent-platform-deploy/references/usage.md#L5`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/skills/cloud/agent-platform-deploy/references/usage.md#L5), you should select the `dev` environment for local work. This uses separate Terraform state files and avoids billing-impacting resources.

## Step 6: Verify with a Sample Skill Run

Test that the CLI can load a skill, resolve dependencies, and execute defined steps:

```bash
uvx google-agents-cli run skills/cloud/gke-basics/SKILL.md

```

This validates your complete google/skills local development environment setup.

## Step 7: Configure Linting and Testing Tools

Before contributing, run static checks as encouraged in [[`CONTRIBUTING.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md)](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md):

| Check | Command |
|-------|---------|
| Markdown lint | `markdownlint-cli2 "**/*.md"` |
| Terraform lint | `tflint` on any `.tf` examples |
| Python tests | `pytest` in skill `tests/` folders |

## Step 8: Use the DevContainer (Optional)

For a reproducible environment without local tool installation, use the pre-configured DevContainer. The repository includes [`.devcontainer/devcontainer.json`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/.devcontainer/devcontainer.json) with Python, Node, Terraform, and Cloud SDK pre-installed.

Open in VS Code with the Dev Containers extension, or run:

```bash
code .  # Then select "Reopen in Container"

```

## Key Configuration Files in google/skills

| File | Location | Purpose |
|------|----------|---------|
| [`README.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/README.md) | [`/README.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main//README.md) | Top-level overview and entry points |
| [`CONTRIBUTING.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md) | [`/CONTRIBUTING.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main//CONTRIBUTING.md) | Workflow, linting tools, submission guidelines |
| `google-cloud-recipe-onboarding` | [`/skills/cloud/google-cloud-recipe-onboarding/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main//skills/cloud/google-cloud-recipe-onboarding/SKILL.md) | Definitive GCP project setup wizard |
| `google-agents-cli-onboarding` | [`/skills/cloud/google-agents-cli-onboarding/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main//skills/cloud/google-agents-cli-onboarding/SKILL.md) | CLI installation and usage |
| `agent-platform-deploy` | [`/skills/cloud/agent-platform-deploy/references/usage.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main//skills/cloud/agent-platform-deploy/references/usage.md) | Environment selection (`dev` vs `prod`) |
| `gke-basics` | [`/skills/cloud/gke-basics/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main//skills/cloud/gke-basics/SKILL.md) | End-to-end CLI verification skill |

## Summary

- **Core stack**: Python 3.9+, Node 18+, Terraform ≥1.5, Google Cloud SDK, and Git
- **CLI setup**: Use `uvx` to install and configure `google-agents-cli`
- **Authentication**: Run `gcloud auth login` before any GCP-interacting skill
- **Environment**: Select `dev` context to isolate from production resources
- **Verification**: Execute `uvx google-agents-cli run skills/cloud/gke-basics/SKILL.md`
- **Quality**: Apply markdownlint, tflint, and pytest before commits per [`CONTRIBUTING.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md)
- **Alternative**: Use the provided DevContainer for zero-local-install setup

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does google/skills require Docker or containers?

No. Docker is optional. The repository works with directly installed tools. However, the DevContainer in [`.devcontainer/devcontainer.json`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/.devcontainer/devcontainer.json) provides a pre-configured environment with all dependencies if you prefer containerized development.

### What Python version does google/skills require?

Python 3.9 or higher. This requirement comes from the agents-CLI and related tooling referenced in skill onboarding files.

### How do I know if my local development environment for google/skills is working correctly?

Run the verification command: `uvx google-agents-cli run skills/cloud/gke-basics/SKILL.md`. If the skill loads, resolves dependencies, and executes without errors, your environment is properly configured.

### Can I develop google/skills skills without a GCP project?

Partially. You can edit Markdown skill definitions and run local tests. However, any skill that provisions cloud resources requires GCP authentication and an active project, as documented in [`google-cloud-recipe-onboarding/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/google/skills/blob/main/google-cloud-recipe-onboarding/SKILL.md).