skill-development

Create a Claude Code plugin skill by drafting a SKILL.md file with required YAML frontmatter, writing a concise imperative body, and then adding references, examples, and scripts directories to progressively disclose extended guidance.

Progressive disclosure in Claude Code plugin development is the practice of keeping the core SKILL.md body lean and imperative while moving extended guidance, detailed examples, and helper scripts into separate references and assets directories.

Yes, you need YAML frontmatter in your SKILL.md file. High-quality Claude Code skills require standard frontmatter containing at least the name and description fields to ensure proper validation and plugin discovery.

The best way to validate a Claude Code skill is to use a structured framework that checks the SKILL.md template for required frontmatter, verifies lean body content, and iteratively tests the progressive disclosure flow of references and scripts.

You should move plugin content into references when the main SKILL.md body becomes too dense. Keep the core file lean with imperative instructions and redirect extended guidance, detailed examples, and scripts to dedicated directories.

Yes, you can plan and add scripts and examples alongside the SKILL.md body. Organizing these assets into their own directories supports progressive disclosure and provides extended guidance without cluttering the core skill file.