catalyst-basics

⚠️ PRE-FLIGHT CHECK: Before creating any project files, confirm that .catalystrc and catalyst.json exist in the project directory. If they don't:

1. Use MCP (CatalystbyZoho_List_All_Organizations → CatalystbyZoho_List_All_Projects) to get the org ID and project ID.
2. Run: catalyst init --org <orgId> -p <projectId> -ni
3. Never ask the user to run catalyst init interactively. Never create these files manually — they are CLI-generated and must come from the CLI.

How It Works

1. MCP check first — Before reading any local files, look for CatalystbyZoho_* tools. If available, use MCP to get org ID, project ID, and all resource IDs instead of asking the user.
2. New to Catalyst? — If the user is setting up Catalyst for the first time or asking "how do I start", load references/quick-start.md for the full walkthrough.
3. Console navigation — If the user asks how to find IDs, create tables, set permissions, or configure CORS in the console, load references/console-ui-guide.md.
4. Pre-flight — Confirm .catalystrc and catalyst.json exist. If missing, use MCP to get org/project IDs and run catalyst init --org <orgId> -p <projectId> -ni. Never use interactive catalyst init.
5. Project structure — Load references/project-basics.md for directory layout, catalyst.json, IDs, and dev-to-prod checklist.
6. CLI questions — Load references/cli.md for the exact command, flags, and safety rules.
7. Answer — Provide the specific ID path or CLI command needed. Never ask the user to manually look up IDs when MCP is connected.

Triggers

Use this skill for: "how do I start a Catalyst project", "what is .catalystrc", "where do I find my Table ID / ZAID / Segment ID / Project ID", "difference between Development and Production", "Catalyst project structure", "catalyst.json explained", catalyst init, catalyst deploy, catalyst serve, catalyst login, "how do I set up Catalyst with Claude", "how do I use Catalyst in Cursor", "how do I use Catalyst with GitHub Copilot", "which service should I use", "what Catalyst service for X", or any question about Catalyst IDs, environments, organizations, IDE setup, architecture decisions, or CLI subcommands.