shipyard-writing-skills

Validate Claude skill SKILL.md files with YAML frontmatter checks and deployment readiness tests.

66|3|Updated Jan 31, 2026

Search Tags:#documentation #deployment #Claude #quality-assurance #test-driven-development #skill-writing

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/lgbarn/shipyard --skill shipyard-writing-skills

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: shipyard-writing-skills
Source: https://github.com/lgbarn/shipyard/tree/main/skills/shipyard-writing-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/lgbarn/shipyard --skill shipyard-writing-skills

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill provides a structured, test-driven approach to authoring, validating, and deploying Claude skills by enforcing a RED-GREEN-REFACTOR workflow and consistent SKILL.md formatting.

Core Features & Use Cases

Guided skill creation: ensures YAML frontmatter with name and description is present and validated.
Testing discipline: applies a TDD cycle to skill documentation, including pressure scenarios and failure-recovery checks before deployment.
Quality controls: enforces a stable directory structure, cross-reference guidelines, and deployment readiness checks.
Use Case: a team adds a new skill directory, writes SKILL.md, runs the deployment checklist, and verifies the skill passes test scenarios before publishing.

Quick Start

Create a new directory under skills/ with a valid SKILL.md frontmatter describing the skill.
Include a concise description and an activation/instructions section per the guidelines.
Run the skill deployment checklist to validate before deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions about shipyard-writing-skills

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I structure and validate Claude skills before deployment?▼

To structure and validate Claude skills, you create a directory with a SKILL.md file containing YAML frontmatter for the name and description, then run a deployment checklist to verify readiness and enforce formatting standards.

How do I write YAML frontmatter for a new Claude skill?▼

Writing YAML frontmatter for a Claude skill requires including a valid name and description at the top of the SKILL.md file, followed by a post-frontmatter activation and usage guide section.

Does the skill validation process require any external dependencies?▼

The skill validation process requires no external dependencies, operating entirely within standardized skill directories to enforce structure and run readiness checks natively.

How do I run a deployment checklist for skill directories?▼

Running a deployment checklist for skill directories involves validating the SKILL.md structure, verifying YAML frontmatter completeness, and executing test scenarios to ensure cross-reference guidelines pass before publishing.