skill-name
Use when users say "[trigger phrase 1]", "[trigger phrase 2]", or when [specific scenario]. [WHAT this skill does]. [Additional trigger keywords for searchability].
SKILL.md
| Name | skill-name |
| Description | Use when users say "[trigger phrase 1]", "[trigger phrase 2]", or when [specific scenario]. [WHAT this skill does]. [Additional trigger keywords for searchability]. |
name: skill-name description: Use when users say "[trigger phrase 1]", "[trigger phrase 2]", or when [specific scenario]. [WHAT this skill does]. [Additional trigger keywords for searchability].
CRITICAL: The description field determines if this skill gets activated.
Must answer THREE questions:
1. WHAT: What does this skill do? (functionality)
2. WHEN: In what situations should it be used? (trigger scenarios with "Use when...")
3. KEYWORDS: What terms should trigger this skill? (action verbs, file types, domain terms)
✅ GOOD: "Use when users say 'create X', 'build Y', or when working with .ext files for purpose A, purpose B, or purpose C"
❌ BAD: "Helps with various tasks" (vague, no triggers, no keywords)
license: Apache-2.0 metadata: author: gohypergiant version: "1.0"
Skill Name
Brief introduction to what this skill provides (1-2 sentences maximum).
NEVER Do [Domain-Specific Anti-Patterns]
<!-- CRITICAL: This section is half of expert knowledge. Good anti-patterns are SPECIFIC with WHY (non-obvious reasons). Bad anti-patterns are vague warnings like "be careful" or "avoid errors". Ask yourself: "Would an expert say 'yes, I learned this the hard way'?" Include 5-8 specific anti-patterns with concrete reasons. -->- NEVER [specific anti-pattern 1] - [Why this fails / non-obvious consequence]. [Example if helpful].
- NEVER [specific anti-pattern 2] - [Concrete reason from experience].
- NEVER [specific anti-pattern 3] - [What happens when violated].
- NEVER [generic mistake in this domain] - [Why experts avoid this].
- NEVER [common beginner error] - [Non-obvious reason it's problematic].
Before [Domain Action], Ask
<!-- CRITICAL: Teach THINKING PATTERNS, not just procedures. This transforms agents from "following steps" to "making expert decisions". Format: "Before [action], ask yourself:" Include 3-5 key questions experts ask before acting. These should shape HOW agents think about the problem. -->Apply these tests before [performing key domain action]:
[Expert Thinking Framework 1]
- [Key Question]? [Guidance on what to consider]. [Consequence if ignored].
- [Key Question]? [How experts think about this]. [Example if needed].
[Expert Thinking Framework 2]
- [Key Question]? [Critical consideration]. [Trade-off to understand].
- [Key Question]? [Decision criteria]. [What to optimize for].
[Expert Thinking Framework 3]
- [Key Question]? [Edge case consideration]. [When standard approach fails].
How to Use
<!-- Choose ONE structure based on skill complexity: OPTION A - For SIMPLE skills (<100 lines, single workflow, no references): Delete this section and put direct instructions here. Example: "Run `scripts/process.sh <input>` to process files. See examples in `assets/`." OPTION B - For COMPLEX skills (rules, references, multiple scenarios): Use progressive disclosure pattern below. NEVER mix both - either direct instructions OR progressive disclosure. -->This skill uses progressive disclosure to minimize context usage:
1. Start with the Workflow (SKILL.md)
Follow the [workflow/decision tree/process] below for [domain task].
2. Reference Implementation Details (AGENTS.md)
Load AGENTS.md for [specific type of guidance: file conventions / optimization rules / architectural patterns].
3. Load Specific Examples as Needed
When [specific scenario], load corresponding reference files for ❌/✅ examples:
- [Scenario 1] → Load reference-file-1.md
- [Scenario 2] → Load reference-file-2.md
[Main Workflow / Decision Tree / Process]
<!-- This is the CORE of your skill. Choose format based on task type: For PHASED WORKFLOWS (Process pattern ~200 lines): - Step-by-step numbered workflow - Include checklist for tracking progress - "Skip this step only when..." guidance For DECISION TREES (Tool pattern ~300 lines): - Table format: "Scenario | Approach | Fallback" - If/then logic with clear branches - Error handling and edge cases For CREATIVE GUIDANCE (Mindset pattern ~50 lines): - Principles over procedures - High freedom with examples - Focus on taste and judgment Include DOMAIN-SPECIFIC procedures Claude wouldn't know. NEVER include generic procedures (open file, edit, save). -->[Your workflow/decision tree/creative guidance here]
Freedom Calibration
<!-- ONLY include this section if your skill needs to teach agents how to calibrate freedom. Most skills don't need this - it's for meta-skills or skills that work across task types. If your skill is ONLY creative → Don't include (just use high freedom throughout) If your skill is ONLY fragile ops → Don't include (just use low freedom throughout) If your skill spans multiple task types → Include this table -->Calibrate guidance specificity to task fragility:
| Task Type | Freedom Level | Guidance Format | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative/Design | High freedom | Principles, thinking patterns, anti-patterns | "[Creative principle]" |
| Analysis/Review | Medium freedom | Guidelines with examples, decision frameworks | "Priority: [ordered list]" |
| File Operations | Low freedom | Exact scripts, specific steps, no variation | "Use exact command: [cmd]" |
The test: "If the agent makes a mistake, what's the consequence?"
- High consequence (corruption, data loss) → Low freedom with precise scripts
- Medium consequence (suboptimal result, style issues) → Medium freedom with examples
- Low consequence (aesthetic choices, multiple valid approaches) → High freedom with principles
Important Notes
<!-- Only include NON-OBVIOUS critical considerations. NEVER include obvious reminders like "test your code" or "handle errors". Think: "What do experts know that isn't written elsewhere?" -->- [Critical non-obvious consideration that affects success]
- [Edge case that's easy to miss]
- [Domain-specific constraint or requirement]