skill-development

Create and organize Claude Code skills with structured SKILL.md templates.

23|2|Updated Jan 6, 2026

Search Tags:#templates #documentation #progressive disclosure #guidelines #skill-development #SKILL.md #references

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/dwmkerr/claude-toolkit --skill skill-development-dwmkerr

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: skill-development
Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/claude-toolkit/tree/main/plugins/toolkit/skills/skill-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dwmkerr/claude-toolkit --skill skill-development-dwmkerr

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill guides users through creating and organizing Claude Code skills, ensuring consistent structure, discoverability, and maintainability across SKILL.md files and their references.

Core Features & Use Cases

Provides a standardized template for SKILL.md with required YAML frontmatter (name and description) and a concise overview.
Encourages progressive disclosure by outlining references, scripts, and assets in a flat, one-level structure.
Helps teams quickly create, review, and extend skills by offering clear Quick Start guidelines and examples.

Quick Start

Create a new skill folder named after the skill, add a SKILL.md with the required frontmatter, and include a references/ directory for detailed guidance. Use this skill as a template when designing additional skills or reorganizing existing ones.

Frequently Asked Questions about skill-development

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I structure a Claude Code skill with SKILL.md and references?▼

Create a skill folder named after the skill, add a SKILL.md with required YAML frontmatter (name and description), and include a flat references/ directory for detailed guidance and assets.

What is progressive disclosure for Claude Code skill templates?▼

Progressive disclosure keeps SKILL.md concise with a high-level overview while moving detailed guidelines, scripts, and assets into a flat one-level references/ folder for on-demand access.

What's the best way to organize scripts and assets when building Claude Code skills?▼

Use a flat, one-level folder structure within your skill directory. Place detailed guidance in a references/ folder alongside optional scripts and assets rather than nesting subdirectories.

Does SKILL.md require specific frontmatter fields to work?▼

Yes, SKILL.md requires YAML frontmatter containing at minimum the name and description fields. The file length should remain concise to ensure discoverability and maintainability.

Can I use this skill template to refactor existing SKILL.md files?▼

Yes, you can use this skill as a standardized template when reorganizing existing skills. It helps review and extend current SKILL.md files by enforcing consistent structure, frontmatter, and reference organization.