Example Skill

This skill demonstrates the structure and format for Claude Code plugin skills.

Overview

Skills are model-invoked capabilities that Claude autonomously uses based on task context. Unlike commands (user-invoked) or agents (spawned by Claude), skills provide contextual guidance that Claude incorporates into its responses.

When This Skill Applies

This skill activates when the user's request involves:

• Creating or understanding plugin skills

• Skill template or reference needs

• Skill development patterns

Skill Structure

Required Files

skills/ └── skill-name/ └── SKILL.md # Main skill definition (required)

Optional Supporting Files

skills/ └── skill-name/ ├── SKILL.md # Main skill definition ├── README.md # Additional documentation ├── references/ # Reference materials │ └── patterns.md ├── examples/ # Example files │ └── sample.md └── scripts/ # Helper scripts └── helper.sh

Frontmatter Options

Skills support these frontmatter fields:

• name (required): Skill identifier

• description (required): Trigger conditions - describe when Claude should use this skill

• version (optional): Semantic version number

• license (optional): License information or reference

Writing Effective Descriptions

The description field is crucial - it tells Claude when to invoke the skill.

Good description patterns:

description: This skill should be used when the user asks to "specific phrase", "another phrase", mentions "keyword", or discusses topic-area.

Include:

• Specific trigger phrases users might say

• Keywords that indicate relevance

• Topic areas the skill covers

Skill Content Guidelines

• Clear purpose: State what the skill helps with

• When to use: Define activation conditions

• Structured guidance: Organize information logically

• Actionable instructions: Provide concrete steps

• Examples: Include practical examples when helpful

Best Practices

• Keep skills focused on a single domain

• Write descriptions that clearly indicate when to activate

• Include reference materials in subdirectories for complex skills

• Test that the skill activates for expected queries

• Avoid overlap with other skills' trigger conditions