Shinka Convert

Converts your existing codebase into a Shinka-ready optimization task by snapshotting the relevant files, wrapping them with EVOLVE-BLOCK markers, and generating the full evaluation harness (evaluate.py, run_evo.py, shinka.yaml). It's the alternative to shinka-setup when you already have working code and want to evolve specific functions or modules instead of starting from scratch. The skill creates a sidecar task directory by default so your original source stays untouched, infers the evolvable region from your instructions, and handles both Python (via run_shinka_eval) and non-Python projects (via subprocess and JSON outputs). It does the tedious work of matching Shinka's contracts while keeping your evaluation logic stable. Once converted, you run shinka-run to kick off evolution.

skills.sh installs: 240
GitHub stars: 1.5K
last updated: Aug 21, 2026

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Install

$ npx -y skills add sakanaai/shinkaevolve --skill shinka-convert --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

Shinka Convert Skill

Use this skill to turn an existing project into a Shinka-ready task.

This is the alternative starting point to shinka-setup:

shinka-setup: new task from natural-language task description
shinka-convert: existing codebase to Shinka task conversion

After conversion, the user should still be able to use shinka-run.

When to Use

Invoke this skill when the user:

Wants to optimize an existing script or repo with Shinka/ShinkaEvolve
Mentions adapting current code to Shinka output signatures, metrics.json, correct.json, or EVOLVE-BLOCK markers
Wants a sidecar Shinka task generated from the current working directory

Do not use this skill when:

The user wants a brand-new task scaffold from only a natural-language description
evaluate.py and initial.<ext> already exist and the user only wants to launch evolution; use shinka-run