skill-development

To structure a Claude Code plugin skill, create a folder named after the skill and include a mandatory SKILL.md file with required frontmatter metadata, then add optional bundled resources like scripts, references, and assets as needed.

Progressive disclosure in Claude Code skills is a best practice that keeps the core SKILL.md lean by centralizing advanced guidance and references in optional bundled files, exposing detailed information to Claude only when needed.

A SKILL.md file requires frontmatter metadata that includes the skill name and description to define the skill's identity and ensure it is correctly recognized and loaded within the Claude Code plugin ecosystem.

You bundle scripts and references by placing them alongside the SKILL.md file in the skill folder, organizing these optional resources to support progressive disclosure and enable reusable assets for plugin development.

The best way to validate and iterate skills is to follow a practical workflow of creating the skill folder, defining the SKILL.md frontmatter, packaging bundled resources, and testing the progressive disclosure behavior within Claude Code plugins.

No, scripts and references are optional; a valid Claude Code skill only requires a SKILL.md file with proper frontmatter metadata, but bundling these resources speeds development and enables advanced progressive disclosure.