claude-prompting

Generate Claude prompts and CLAUDE.md files with structured best-practice guidance.

2|Updated May 15, 2015

Search Tags:#claude #claude-code #prompting #prompt-engineering #opus-4.5

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/stephendolan/dotfiles --skill claude-prompting

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: claude-prompting
Source: https://github.com/stephendolan/dotfiles/tree/main/claude/skills/writing-claude-prompts
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/stephendolan/dotfiles --skill claude-prompting

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps craft Claude prompts and CLAUDE.md files that lead to precise, on-target responses with Opus 4.5 considerations.

Core Features & Use Cases

Explicit Direction: Provide clear instructions and explicit triggers for Claude.
Context & Motivation: Explain why the behavior matters to Claude.
Prompt Framing: Techniques to avoid over-engineering and overtriggering.

Quick Start

Create a Claude Code skill prompt skeleton named "my-editing-skill" with a concise description and activation conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about claude-prompting

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I write prompts that get better responses from Claude?▼

Effective Claude prompts combine explicit directions with context explaining why the behavior matters. Structure prompts with clear instructions, explain the reasoning behind each requirement, and avoid over-engineering by focusing on what Claude actually needs to succeed.

What's the best way to optimize prompts for Claude Opus 4.5?▼

Opus 4.5-optimized prompts prioritize explicit instruction over implicit expectation. Provide clear activation triggers, explain the motivation behind constraints, and frame guidance to avoid overtriggering unintended behaviors while keeping instructions concise and targeted.

How do I structure a CLAUDE.md file for Claude prompting?▼

CLAUDE.md files document Claude prompt behavior using YAML frontmatter, explicit step-by-step workflows, and single-capability focus. Structure metadata at the top, describe the core task clearly, list prerequisites and constraints, then provide the complete prompt and examples.

When should I add context and motivation to my Claude prompts?▼

Context and motivation matter when Claude needs to understand not just what to do, but why it matters. This prevents misinterpretation, guides edge-case handling, and helps Claude make better decisions when facing ambiguous input or competing priorities.

Can I apply these prompting practices to Claude Code skills?▼

Yes. Claude Code skills use the same prompting principles: explicit directions, context motivation, and structured format guidance. Follow single-capability focus, include YAML frontmatter, define activation conditions clearly, and document step-by-step workflows for skill execution.

What prompt engineering mistakes should I avoid with Claude?▼

Avoid over-engineering by not adding unnecessary constraints or nested conditions. Don't rely on implicit expectations; state behavior explicitly. Don't duplicate instructions across system and user context. Keep prompts focused on a single capability and test edge cases before deployment.