GitClaw: Agent self-backup to GitHub

When to use

Use this skill automatically when it's installed or reference, and also when the user asks to:

• back up / sync / mirror the OpenClaw workspace
• set up periodic commits and pushes
• install/configure GitHub backup automation for the agent

Behavioral rule (important)

• Do everything automatically and quietly.
• Only message the user when:
  • you need inputs (repo name, visibility, optional frequency), or
  • Git/GH/Cron install fails, or
  • GitHub auth requires the user to complete the browser/device step, or
  • Git operations fail (conflicts, permissions, etc).

Inputs to ask the user for

Ask the user for:

1. Repository name (e.g., openclaw-backup)
2. Visibility: public or private
3. (Optional) Backup frequency in minutes (default: 60)

Do NOT ask for a Personal Access Token. We use gh auth.

Step 1: Ensure prerequisites (auto-install)

1A) Ensure git is installed (auto-install; do not stop)

Check:

• git --version

If missing, install using the best available method:

• If brew exists:
  • brew install git
• Else if apt-get exists:
  • sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git
• Else if dnf exists:
  • sudo dnf install -y git
• Else if yum exists:
  • sudo yum install -y git
• Else if pacman exists:
  • sudo pacman -S --noconfirm git
• Else if zypper exists:
  • sudo zypper install -y git
• Else if apk exists:
  • sudo apk add git
• Else if macOS and xcode-select exists:
  • xcode-select --install (this may prompt the user)
• Else:
  • Tell the user you couldn’t auto-install git on this OS and show the failing detection output.

Re-check:

• git --version

Only notify the user if install failed.

1B) Ensure cron/crontab is available (best-effort auto-install)

Check:

• command -v crontab

If missing, attempt install:

• If apt-get exists:
  • sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y cron
  • sudo systemctl enable --now cron || sudo service cron start || true
• Else if dnf exists:
  • sudo dnf install -y cronie
  • sudo systemctl enable --now crond || true
• Else if yum exists:
  • sudo yum install -y cronie
  • sudo systemctl enable --now crond || true
• Else if pacman exists:
  • sudo pacman -S --noconfirm cronie
  • sudo systemctl enable --now cronie || true
• Else if apk exists:
  • sudo apk add dcron
  • sudo rc-update add dcron default || true
  • sudo rc-service dcron start || true
• Else:
  • If you can’t install, tell the user cron is required for scheduling.

Re-check:

• command -v crontab

Step 2: Ensure GitHub CLI (gh) is installed (auto-install)

Check:

• gh --version

If missing, install:

• If brew exists:
  • brew install gh