Example Skill
This skill demonstrates the structure and format for Claude Code plugin skills.
Overview
Skills are model-invoked capabilities that Claude autonomously uses based on task context. Unlike commands (user-invoked) or agents (spawned by Claude), skills provide contextual guidance that Claude incorporates into its responses.
When This Skill Applies
This skill activates when the user's request involves:
Creating or understanding plugin skills Skill template or reference needs Skill development patterns Skill Structure Required Files skills/ └── skill-name/ └── SKILL.md # Main skill definition (required)
Optional Supporting Files skills/ └── skill-name/ ├── SKILL.md # Main skill definition ├── README.md # Additional documentation ├── references/ # Reference materials │ └── patterns.md ├── examples/ # Example files │ └── sample.md └── scripts/ # Helper scripts └── helper.sh
Frontmatter Options
Skills support these frontmatter fields:
name (required): Skill identifier description (required): Trigger conditions - describe when Claude should use this skill version (optional): Semantic version number license (optional): License information or reference Writing Effective Descriptions
The description field is crucial - it tells Claude when to invoke the skill.
Good description patterns:
description: This skill should be used when the user asks to "specific phrase", "another phrase", mentions "keyword", or discusses topic-area.
Include:
Specific trigger phrases users might say Keywords that indicate relevance Topic areas the skill covers Skill Content Guidelines Clear purpose: State what the skill helps with When to use: Define activation conditions Structured guidance: Organize information logically Actionable instructions: Provide concrete steps Examples: Include practical examples when helpful Best Practices Keep skills focused on a single domain Write descriptions that clearly indicate when to activate Include reference materials in subdirectories for complex skills Test that the skill activates for expected queries Avoid overlap with other skills' trigger conditions