skill-debugging-assistant

Diagnose skill activation issues by analyzing triggers, parameters, and SKILL.md structure.

49|7|Updated Oct 18, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Exploration-labs/Nates-Substack-Skills --skill skill-debugging-assistant
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: skill-debugging-assistant
Source: https://github.com/Exploration-labs/Nates-Substack-Skills/tree/main/skill-debugging-assistant
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Exploration-labs/Nates-Substack-Skills --skill skill-debugging-assistant

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps diagnose why skills aren't triggering or performing as expected, identifying root causes in triggers, parameter problems, prompt conflicts, and SKILL.md structural issues.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Trigger Failure Diagnostics: analyzes description and triggers for accuracy
  • False Positive Diagnostics: narrows down why a skill triggers too broadly
  • Instruction Conflict Diagnostics: detects conflicts with system prompts
  • Structure Validation: checks YAML frontmatter and resource references
  • Comprehensive Audit: supports creators in reviewing and repairing issues

Quick Start

Run the debugging workflow on a problematic skill: analyze the SKILL.md with the built-in decision tree, identify the issue, apply fixes, and re-test activation.

Frequently Asked Questions about skill-debugging-assistant

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

FAQPage Schema
Why isn't my skill triggering when it should?

Skill trigger failures often stem from inaccurate trigger patterns, parameter misconfigurations, or conflicts between your skill's instructions and system prompts. This Skill analyzes your trigger definitions, YAML frontmatter, and prompt interactions to identify the root cause and recommend fixes.

How do I diagnose why a skill activates too frequently or incorrectly?

False positive activation happens when triggers are too broad or description keywords overlap with unrelated queries. The Skill's diagnostic workflow inspects your trigger patterns, description accuracy, and cross-skill interactions to narrow down over-activation and suggest tighter scoping.

How do I validate my skill's SKILL.md structure and frontmatter?

Validation checks your YAML frontmatter fields (name, description), token budgets, reference mentions, and documentation quality against functional and technical requirements. This Skill audits these elements and produces concrete remediation recommendations.

What causes instruction conflicts between my skill and system prompts?

Instruction conflicts occur when your skill's prompt logic contradicts or competes with broader system directives, causing unpredictable behavior. This Skill detects these conflicts by analyzing prompt interactions and packaging details, then recommends resolution strategies.

Can I use this to debug cross-skill activation issues?

Yes. This Skill's scope includes cross-skill interactions across frontmatter, references, and progressive disclosure. It helps identify how your skill's triggers and instructions interact with other skills in your environment and what changes resolve conflicts.

What should I check before running a skill diagnostic?

Have your complete SKILL.md file ready, including all YAML frontmatter, trigger definitions, references, and prompt instructions. The Skill requires this full context to analyze trigger patterns, parameter configurations, and structural integrity.