skill-development

To structure a Claude Code plugin skill, define clear frontmatter metadata so the right skill triggers at the right time, then organize instructions into lean core guidance with supporting references for deeper details.

Progressive disclosure in skill authoring is the practice of splitting instructions between a focused SKILL.md and supporting reference files, used when you need to keep core guidance lean while providing deeper details on demand.

To create a new Claude Code skill from scattered notes, draft a focused SKILL.md with strong trigger phrases and imperative instructions, then separate supporting material into clean reference and asset folders.

SKILL.md should contain frontmatter metadata and lean imperative instructional body text, while references should hold the deeper details and reusable resources that support progressive disclosure across the plugin workflow.

Yes, you can revise skill frontmatter for existing plugin workflows by applying clear SKILL.md metadata and documenting trigger phrases to ensure the correct skill activates at the appropriate time.

Claude Code skills may fail to trigger if the frontmatter metadata lacks clear trigger phrases or is poorly structured, which is resolved by defining precise SKILL.md metadata and imperative instructional body text.