writing-skills

Standardize YAML frontmatter and body structure for cross-provider skills.

1|Updated Feb 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/juburr/mad-skills --skill writing-skills-juburr
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: writing-skills
Source: https://github.com/juburr/mad-skills/tree/main/writing-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/juburr/mad-skills --skill writing-skills-juburr

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Guides teams in creating robust, cross-provider skills for Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini CLI by standardizing frontmatter, body structure, and references.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Provides templates and guidelines for YAML frontmatter (name, description) and body layout.
  • Enforces progressive disclosure with metadata, instructions, and resources.
  • Includes reference files, validation scripts, and example workflows to scaffold new skills.

Quick Start

Create a new skill directory named my-skill-name and run the init.sh script to scaffold SKILL.md, then run the validate.sh script to ensure frontmatter and structure are correct.

Frequently Asked Questions about writing-skills

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I write cross-provider skills for Claude Code and Codex?

Create a skill directory, run the init.sh script to scaffold a SKILL.md file, then use the validate.sh script to ensure your frontmatter and progressive disclosure structure meet provider constraints.

What is progressive disclosure in skill writing?

Cross-provider skill writing requires YAML frontmatter for metadata, structured body instructions for logic, and optional reference files for extended context to ensure compatibility across Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini CLI.

Does this skill writing guide support Gemini CLI?

Run the validate.sh script in your skill directory to check the YAML frontmatter constraints, body structuring, and reference files against the required cross-provider safety and formatting guidelines.

What's the best way to validate YAML frontmatter for AI skills?

Yes, you can scaffold new skills by creating a directory and running the init.sh script, which generates the initial SKILL.md file with the correct YAML frontmatter and body layout.

How do I structure reference files when creating AI skills?

The init.sh script scaffolds the SKILL.md file with required YAML frontmatter and body structure, while the validate.sh script checks your constraints to ensure high-quality cross-provider skill creation.

Why do my custom skills fail cross-provider compatibility checks?

Use the init.sh script to scaffold the SKILL.md file, then add your body instructions and optional reference files, and finally run the validate.sh script to ensure the YAML frontmatter and structure are correct.