install-plugin

Install a SkillStack Plugin

Step 1: Check registry

Run the registry check script:

node <this-skill-dir>/../../../scripts/check-registry.mjs --npmrc ~/.npmrc

If registryConfigured is false, direct the user to run /activate-license first.

Step 2: Identify the plugin

Ask which plugin to install. If they don't know, call skillstack_list to show the catalog.

Step 3: Check license requirements

From skillstack_list, check the plugin's license_model, is_freemium, and license_options:

• Free (no license_options): Proceed to install.
• Freemium (is_freemium true): Show free skill count and names. Offer choice: install free or activate a key for full access.
• Multi-license (multiple license_options): Show available options as a table (onetime/lifetime/subscription with what each includes). Ask which they bought, or direct to creator's purchase page.
• Single paid: Ask for license key or direct to purchase page.

If creator_contact is available, show it for paid plugins.

If the named plugin isn't in skillstack_list (typo, or the creator pulled it from sale), tell the user it's not currently available on SkillStack and offer the catalog — don't attempt the install. If they have a license key for it, /skillstack:activate-license can resolve the key to the right (possibly renamed) plugin.

Install auth errors — distinguish 401 from 403 (the npm install in Step 4 surfaces these):

• 403 (Forbidden): the token is valid but not entitled to THIS plugin. Activate a license for it → run /skillstack:activate-license. If it persists after activating, [email protected].
• 401 (Unauthorized): the sst_* token is missing/invalid/expired — a different problem from 403. Re-run /skillstack:activate-license to re-issue the token and reset ~/.npmrc (//mcp.skillstack.sh/:_authToken). Don't tell the user they aren't entitled — they may well be; the token just needs refreshing.

Step 4: Install

Instruct the user to run:

/plugin install <plugin-name>@<marketplace-name>

Tell them to select "Install for you (user scope)" when prompted.

If the install fails with an unexpected error, show the error and suggest contacting [email protected].

Step 5: Confirm

After install succeeds:

• Freemium (free variant): Show free tier skill count, list included skills. Mention that to upgrade: purchase a license from the creator, run /skillstack:activate-license to activate, then /plugin uninstall and /plugin install to get the full plugin
• Full install: Confirm all skills unlocked
• Mention that they can check for future updates with /skillstack:update-plugins