write-a-skill

Creating agent skills requires a root SKILL.md file with YAML frontmatter containing name and description, alongside optional references, examples, and bundled scripts for extended capabilities. This standardization ensures proper packaging for reuse across projects.

To write SKILL.md frontmatter, include required name and description fields, then add structured metadata like tagline, keywords, dependencies, components, and toxicity checks to formalize the skill creation process and enable repeatable packaging.

Add REFERENCE.md and EXAMPLES.md when your skill requires extended documentation or usage demonstrations. These optional resources scale your skill's capabilities, while scripts and assets can be bundled only if the content requires them.

Yes, you can bundle optional scripts, references, and assets with your agent skill. Place them at the skill root alongside SKILL.md, ensuring the package includes everything needed for the skill to function across different projects.

The best way to package agent skills is to draft a standardized SKILL.md with proper frontmatter, then bundle optional references, examples, and scripts. This approach ensures skills are well-documented, structured, and repeatable across multiple project environments.

Agent skills need tagline and keywords in their metadata to enforce structured documentation and improve discoverability. These fields, along with dependencies and components, standardize the skill creation process and ensure robust packaging for reuse.