creating-agent-skills

Author Claude Code Skills with structured SKILL.md, workflows, and validation patterns.

Updated Oct 27, 2025

Search Tags:#claude #best-practices #progressive-disclosure #XML #skill-structure #router-pattern #skill-authoring

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/SomtoUgeh/dotfiles --skill creating-agent-skills-somtougeh

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: creating-agent-skills
Source: https://github.com/SomtoUgeh/dotfiles/tree/main/claude/skills/create-agent-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/SomtoUgeh/dotfiles --skill creating-agent-skills-somtougeh

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill provides expert guidance for creating, writing, and refining Claude Code Skills. It helps teams apply official structure and best practices when authoring new skills or auditing existing ones, reducing ambiguity and increasing consistency.

Core Features & Use Cases

Structured blueprint for building simple one-file Skills or router-pattern Skills with progressive disclosure (SKILL.md, workflows, references, and optional scripts).
Templates, references, and patterns that codify naming conventions, YAML frontmatter requirements, XML body structure, and validation workflows.
Audit and upgrade workflows that cover effective skill design, router upgrades, and continual improvement with concrete examples and anti-patterns.

Quick Start

To begin, choose between a simple single-file Skill or a router-pattern Skill, then outline core principles, intake, and routing in SKILL.md and establish initial references and workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions about creating-agent-skills

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I structure a Claude Code Skill with progressive disclosure?▼

Structure a Claude Code Skill with progressive disclosure by using a router-pattern SKILL.md to direct intake, routing workflows, and references. This enforces frontmatter rules, XML body structure, and validation patterns to ensure discoverable, testable skills.

What is the best way to author a router-pattern Skill for Claude?▼

The best way to author a router-pattern Skill is to outline core principles, intake, and routing in SKILL.md, then establish initial references and workflows. This provides a complete blueprint for structure, guidance, and validation.

What are the YAML frontmatter and XML body requirements for Claude Skills?▼

Claude Skills require strict YAML frontmatter rules and a structured XML body organization. The skill enforces these requirements alongside references organization and workflow design to reduce ambiguity and increase consistency.

Can I use this skill to audit and upgrade existing Claude Code Skills?▼

Yes, you can audit and upgrade existing Claude Code Skills. The skill provides audit workflows that cover effective skill design, router upgrades, and continual improvement using concrete examples and anti-patterns.

When do I need a simple one-file Skill versus a router-pattern Skill?▼

A simple one-file Skill suits basic tasks, while a router-pattern Skill is needed for progressive disclosure with multiple workflows and references. Choosing depends on the complexity of the guidance and validation patterns required.

Why does my Claude Skill fail validation checks?▼

Claude Skill validation fails when frontmatter rules, XML body structure, or references organization do not match the expected blueprint. Enforcing validation patterns and avoiding anti-patterns ensures your skills remain testable and discoverable.