Homepage repo skill file

This repository is a Jekyll-based website (al-folio theme).
Use this as the default operating guide for edits and troubleshooting.

Scope

Use Jekyll-native workflows for this repo unless the user asks for an alternative build system.

• Local content lives in Markdown/Liquid files under _pages, _posts, _projects, _news, _layouts, _includes, and _data.
• Styling and assets are in _sass, assets, and image/data directories.
• _site is generated output and should not be edited manually.
• Keep generated artifacts out of source edits unless explicitly requested.

Common task patterns

Local content updates

• Add or edit pages in _pages/.
• Add blog posts in _posts/ using YYYY-MM-DD-title.md.
• Add projects in _projects/ and news items in _news/.
• Update global metadata, plugin options, and URL behavior in _config.yml.
• Update publication metadata in _bibliography/papers.bib.
• Keep YAML front matter consistent (for example: layout, title, date, permalink as needed).

Build and serve

• Install Ruby deps with bundle install.
• Start local preview with bundle exec jekyll serve --livereload.
• Build the site with bundle exec jekyll build.
• For GitHub Pages workflows, verify _config.yml and base URL settings before deploying.

Safety rules

• Do not edit generated files under _site as source of truth.
• Do not remove or rename plugin/theme directories unless requested.
• Preserve existing front matter keys used by the theme (for example image, description, tags, categories, and collection metadata).
• Run formatting or dependency changes only when explicitly requested.

Jekyll-focused best practices

• Use consistent naming and date conventions for posts.
• Keep new content minimal in diffs: small, isolated edits per task.
• Prefer existing layout patterns before creating new templates.
• If a page build fails, start by checking _config.yml syntax and front matter formatting.