Skill Best Practices

Step 2: Structure the Directory

1. Create the root directory using the validated name.
2. Initialize the following subdirectories:
   • scripts/: For tiny CLI tools and deterministic logic.
   • references/: For flat (one-level deep) context like schemas or API docs.
   • assets/: For output templates, JSON schemas, or static files.
3. Ensure no human-centric files (README.md, INSTALLATION.md) are created.

Step 3: Draft Core Logic (SKILL.md)

1. Use the template in assets/skill-template.md as the starting point.
2. Write all instructions in the third-person imperative (e.g., "Extract the text," "Run the build").
3. Enforce Progressive Disclosure:
   • Keep the main logic under 500 lines.
   • If a procedure requires a large schema or complex rule set, move it to references/.
   • Command the agent to read the specific file only when needed: "Read references/api-spec.md to identify the correct endpoint."

Step 4: Identify and Bundle Scripts

1. Identify "fragile" tasks (regex, complex parsing, or repetitive boilerplate).
2. Outline a single-purpose script for the scripts/ directory.
3. Ensure the script uses standard output (stdout/stderr) to communicate success or failure to the agent.

Step 5: Final Logic Validation

1. Review the SKILL.md for "hallucination gaps" (points where the agent is forced to guess).
2. Verify all file paths are relative and use forward slashes (/).
3. Cross-reference the final output against references/checklist.md.

Error Handling

• Metadata Failure: If scripts/validate-metadata.py fails, identify the specific error (e.g., "STYLE ERROR") and rewrite the field to remove first/second person pronouns.
• Structure Drift: If an existing skill uses non-standard folders or top-level docs, move reusable materials into assets/ or references/ and delete human-oriented files.
• Context Bloat: If the draft exceeds 500 lines, extract the largest procedural block and move it to a file in references/.