skills.rest
microsoft
microsoftOFFICIAL
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Website𝕏@OpenAtMicrosoftGitHub

skill-authoring

Author Agent Skills with frontmatter, structure, and validation rules.

242|189|Updated Oct 28, 2024
Search Tags:#validation#guidelines#frontmatter#agentskills#token-budget#skill-authoring#reference-loading
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/microsoft/GitHub-Copilot-for-Azure --skill skill-authoring-microsoft
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: skill-authoring
Source: https://github.com/microsoft/GitHub-Copilot-for-Azure/tree/main/.github/skills/skill-authoring
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/microsoft/GitHub-Copilot-for-Azure --skill skill-authoring-microsoft

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides clear guidelines for authoring Agent Skills that conform to the agentskills specification, ensuring consistent structure, validation, and safe loading behavior across projects.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Clear frontmatter requirements (name and description) and a standard references layout to keep SKILL.md lean.
  • Token-budget and progressive-disclosure guidance to optimize runtime context and loading behavior.
  • Guidance for structure (SKILL.md, references/, scripts/, assets/) and for validation using the provided CHECKLIST and guidelines.
  • Use Case: when starting a brand-new skill or auditing an existing one to ensure compliance and ease of review.

Quick Start

Inspect the SKILL.md frontmatter, review references/CHECKLIST.md and GUIDELINES.md for rules, and ensure the skill root contains SKILL.md with optional scripts/, references/, and assets/ as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions about skill-authoring

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I write an Agent Skill that passes validation?▼

To write an Agent Skill that passes validation, ensure your SKILL.md contains mandatory frontmatter fields, uses a standard references layout, and aligns with the agentskills specification for token budgets and loading behaviors.

What frontmatter is required for a compliant SKILL.md file?▼

A compliant SKILL.md file requires mandatory frontmatter fields including name and description to ensure consistent structure, validation, and safe loading behavior across projects.

How do I optimize token budget and loading behavior for Agent Skills?▼

Optimize token budget and loading behavior for Agent Skills by applying progressive-disclosure guidance and using the three-tier loading model to keep SKILL.md lean and manage runtime context effectively.

What directory structure do I need for an Agent Skill?▼

An Agent Skill requires a root containing SKILL.md with optional scripts, references, and assets directories as needed to maintain lean documentation and support the three-tier loading model.

Can I use this skill to audit existing SKILL.md files for compliance?▼

Yes, you can audit existing SKILL.md files for compliance by reviewing them against the provided CHECKLIST and GUIDELINES to ensure frontmatter, token budgets, references, and loading behaviors meet the agentskills specification.

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