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joshuadavidthomas
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skill-authoring

Validate SKILL.md frontmatter and structure for Agent Skills.

18|1|Updated Jan 20, 2026
Search Tags:#templates#validation#activation#SKILL.md#frontmatter#progressive-disclosure#skill-authoring
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/joshuadavidthomas/agentkit --skill skill-authoring-joshuadavidthomas
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: skill-authoring
Source: https://github.com/joshuadavidthomas/agentkit/tree/main/skills/skill-authoring
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/joshuadavidthomas/agentkit --skill skill-authoring-joshuadavidthomas

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps authors reliably craft SKILL.md frontmatter and body content to ensure proper discovery, activation, and maintainability of Agent Skills.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Frontmatter validation: ensures name and description fields are present and conform to naming rules.
  • Activation & testing guidance: provides workflows to test skill activation and behavior in sessions.
  • Progressive disclosure discipline: promotes three-level loading with lean SKILL.md and separate references/scripts/assets.
  • Quality auditing templates: offers checklists, templates, and examples to standardize skill authoring.

Quick Start

Create a new SKILL.md with correct frontmatter, then run validation and activation testing using provided templates and workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions about skill-authoring

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I write a SKILL.md file with valid YAML frontmatter for Claude Skills?▼

To validate SKILL.md frontmatter, check that the name and description fields are present and conform to naming rules, ensuring the directory name matches the skill name and the description triggers activation correctly.

What is progressive disclosure in skill authoring and how does it structure files?▼

Progressive disclosure structures skill content in three levels by keeping SKILL.md lean and separating references, scripts, and assets into distinct files, ensuring efficient loading and maintainability.

Why does my Agent Skill fail to activate or trigger in a session context?▼

Skill activation fails when the SKILL.md description is not concise enough for session context matching. Debug trigger issues by auditing frontmatter rules and testing activation workflows in actual sessions.

How do I audit an existing Agent Skill for quality and frontmatter compliance?▼

Auditing an Agent Skill involves checking YAML frontmatter validity, verifying directory-name matching, and reviewing body structure against quality checklists and templates to ensure authoring compliance.

Can I use skill authoring templates to standardize multiple Agent Skills?▼

Yes, skill authoring templates standardize multiple Agent Skills by providing checklists and examples that enforce consistent SKILL.md frontmatter rules, body structure, and progressive disclosure across projects.

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