writing-decision-trees-as-skills

To convert a decision tree into a Claude skill, you encode each predicate as a numbered step with explicit branches and documented preconditions, ensuring the model walks the tree in order rather than jumping to a leaf.

Claude jumps straight to a conclusion in triage workflows without disciplined predicate branching. This skill prevents that by applying anti-shortcut evaluations, forcing the model to check numbered predicates sequentially before reaching a leaf.

You handle cycles in a decision tree skill by applying state-enrichment, state-machine, or revisit-cap patterns. These explicit cycle-handling choices prevent infinite loops during sequential predicate evaluation.

Yes, you can use this skill for statistical test selection, vulnerability triage, model-tier selection, and troubleshooting trees. It applies objective predicate branching to any deterministic, checkable workflow.

The best way to enforce deterministic reasoning in a Claude Code skill is to structure logic as a walk-the-tree skill with numbered predicates, explicit branches, and anti-shortcut evaluations to prevent jumping directly to a leaf.