zedclaw-skill-authoring

Valid YAML frontmatter for a SKILL.md file requires strict delimiter formatting and must include mandatory name and description fields to pass the repository validator. Your description must adhere to specified size limits before closing the block.

The correct directory structure for in-repo skills places files under skills/<category>/<skill-name>/SKILL.md. This peer-matched structure separates committed repository skills from user-local skills stored under ~/.zedclaw/skills/.

To validate a ZedClaw skill before committing, check that the SKILL.md YAML frontmatter starts and closes exactly as required, includes mandatory name and description fields, and contains a non-empty body with Overview and When to Use sections.

A workflow template for skill authoring should include consistent peer-matched sections: Overview, When to Use, Pitfalls, and Verification Checklist. This layout ensures the skill fits existing repository conventions and passes structural validation.

Your SKILL.md fails the repository validator when YAML frontmatter delimiters are incorrect, mandatory name or description fields are missing, the body is empty, or the file exceeds practical size limits without utilizing the references/ directory for long content.

Use write_file to create or update in-repo skills under skills/<category>/<name>/SKILL.md, while skill_manage handles user-local skills under ~/.zedclaw/skills/. Choose based on whether the skill needs repository integration or local access.