Targets R Skill

targets-r-skill

An LLM skill for the [`targets`](https://docs.ropensci.org/targets/) R package using `targets` >= 1.12.0 and `tarchetypes` >= 0.14.1.

What does it do?

When you ask an LLM to write a `_targets.R` file, it draws on training data that mixes drake idioms, pre-1.10 `targets` patterns, and current best practice. This skill gives the model a structured reference for the current API so it produces pipelines that match the 1.11-era defaults and uses the modern tarchetypes factories.

The skill covers: `tar_target()` and option setup, storage formats (including `format = "auto"`), dynamic and static branching, debugging with `tar_workspace()` and `tar_igraph()`, scoped `tar_make()` / `tar_invalidate()` / `tar_destroy()` for safe reruns, cloud and CAS repositories, Quarto and R Markdown integration with `tar_quarto()` / `tar_render()`, Typst/LaTeX compilation patterns, and anti-patterns specific to `targets`.

Installation

Claude Code (one command)

Clone directly into your skills directory:

git clone https://github.com/statzhero/targets-r-skill.git ~/.claude/skills/targets-r

That's it. The skill is available immediately as `/targets-r` in any Claude Code session.

If you prefer not to use the terminal, you can add skills from the Claude desktop app:

1. Download the repository as a ZIP from GitHub.
2. Open the Claude desktop app and switch to the Code tab.
3. Click Customize in the left sidebar, then select Skills.
4. Click the + button, choose Upload a skill, and select the ZIP file.

Codex

Clone into your user skills directory (available across all projects):

git clone https://github.com/statzhero/targets-r-skill.git ~/.codex/skills/targets-r

If you prefer not to use the terminal, download the ZIP, unzip it, and move the folder to `~/.codex/skills/targets-r/` or `.codex/skills/targets-r/` inside your project.

Test the skill

After installing, try this prompt in your CLI:

/targets-