skill-developer

To create a Claude Code skill, you start by generating a SKILL.md file with appropriate frontmatter, then register the skill in the master skill-rules.json file, and finally validate its trigger patterns using the included CLI guidance to ensure reliable auto-activation.

Progressive disclosure in Claude Code skills is a design approach that keeps the main SKILL.md file concise by offloading detailed guidelines and deeper context into separate reference files, ensuring efficient context loading.

Trigger patterns and hooks work in skill development by standardizing skill activation mechanisms, defining specific trigger types and enforcement levels that dictate when and how a Claude Code skill reliably auto-activates within a given domain.

Yes, you need skill-rules.json to manage Claude Code skill activation, as it serves as the master rules file where you add your skill to formalize its trigger patterns and ensure reliable auto-activation across domains.

The best way to structure a SKILL.md file is to follow frontmatter conventions and apply progressive disclosure, keeping the core content concise while leveraging separate reference files for step-by-step workflows, templates, and troubleshooting.

Your Claude Code skill may not be auto-activating because its trigger patterns are misconfigured or it is missing from the master skill-rules.json file, requiring you to validate and test triggers using the included CLI guidance and troubleshooting references.