# Thunder Update Model

Swap a built-in model in the catalog (retire one, add its replacement) end to end, from...

- Repository: https://github.com/thunderbird/thunderbolt (4818 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: MPL-2.0
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add thunderbird/thunderbolt --skill thunder-update-model -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add thunderbird/thunderbolt --skill thunder-update-model -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add thunderbird/thunderbolt --skill thunder-update-model -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add thunderbird/thunderbolt --skill thunder-update-model -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Swap a built-in model in the catalog (retire one, add its replacement) end to end, from a fresh worktree to a verified branch ready for /thunderpush.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Updating a built-in model

Swap one built-in model for its replacement, from a fresh worktree to a verified branch ready for
`/thunderpush`. The questions need the developer, so run this in the developer-facing session, not
in a subagent.

## Read first

1. `references/swap-checklist.md` in this folder. It is the implementer's contract; skim it now so
   the questions below collect everything it needs.
2. `docs/internals/architecture/managed-inference.md` (routes, price rows, legacy slugs) and
   `docs/internals/architecture/reconciled-defaults.md#changing-a-default` (version bump, snapshot
   test, one-way retirement).
3. The catalog itself, `shared/defaults/models.ts`. Where a doc and the code disagree, the code
   wins.

## Argument

Up to four space-separated tokens, in this order: the leaving model (slug or export constant,
never a display name), the provider that serves the replacement, the incoming model id, and a
Linear ticket (`THU-nnn`). Each token answers its question below; ask only the questions that
remain. Claude Code passes them as `$ARGUMENTS`; other harnesses pass the text typed after the
skill name.

## Harness notes

Three actions differ by harness; every "ask" in the stages means the first row.

The rest: https://github.com/thunderbird/thunderbolt/blob/HEAD/.agents/skills/thunder-update-model/SKILL.md