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name: example-skill description: This skill should be used when demonstrating skill structure and format. Provides example patterns for creating new skills. author: Joseph OBrien status: unpublished updated: '2025-12-23' version: 1.0.1 tag: skill type: skill

Example Skill

A demonstration skill showing the proper structure and format for Claude Code skills.

When to Use This Skill

• Creating new skills and need a reference
• Understanding skill structure and best practices
• Learning how to bundle resources with skills

What This Skill Does

1. Demonstrates proper YAML frontmatter format
2. Shows content structure requirements
3. Provides examples of bundled resources
4. Illustrates best practices for skill documentation

Core Principles

Principle 1: Clear Purpose

Skills should have a clear, well-defined purpose. The "When to Use" section should make it obvious when to apply the skill.

Principle 2: Progressive Disclosure

Structure content from high-level overview to detailed implementation. Start with "When to Use" and "What This Skill Does" before diving into workflows.

Principle 3: Actionable Workflows

Provide step-by-step workflows that can be followed directly. Include examples and anti-patterns.

Workflow

Step 1: Identify Need

Determine if this skill is appropriate for the current task.

Step 2: Review Documentation

Read the skill documentation to understand capabilities and limitations.

Step 3: Apply Skill

Follow the workflow steps to apply the skill.

Step 4: Validate Results

Check that the skill achieved the intended outcome.

Best Practices

• Keep skills focused on a single domain or capability
• Include clear examples and use cases
• Document anti-patterns to avoid common mistakes
• Bundle resources when they add value

Anti-Patterns

• Creating overly broad skills that try to do everything
• Skipping the "When to Use" section
• Missing examples or use cases
• Not documenting bundled resources

Examples

Example 1: Basic Usage

Scenario: Creating a new skill for code review

Approach:

1. Review this example skill structure
2. Use the template from steve/templates/AGENT_SKILL.template.md
3. Fill in domain-specific content
4. Add bundled resources if needed

Reference Files

This skill includes reference files in references/:

• structure-guide.md: Detailed structure guidelines
• examples.md: Additional examples