Create agent skills for Microsoft technologies using Learn MCP tools. Use when users want to create a skill that teaches agents about any Microsoft technology, library, framework, or service (Azure, .NET, M365, VS Code, Bicep, etc.). Investigates topics deeply, then generates a hybrid skill storing essential knowledge locally while enabling dynamic deeper investigation.
Create hybrid skills for Microsoft technologies that store essential knowledge locally while enabling dynamic Learn MCP lookups for deeper details.
Skills are modular packages that extend agent capabilities with specialized knowledge and workflows. A skill transforms a general-purpose agent into a specialized one for a specific domain.
skill-name/
├── SKILL.md (required) # Frontmatter (name, description) + instructions
├── references/ # Documentation loaded into context as needed
├── sample_codes/ # Working code examples
└── assets/ # Files used in output (templates, etc.)
name and description determine when the skill triggers—be clear and comprehensive| Tool | Purpose | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
microsoft_docs_search | Search official docs | First pass discovery, finding topics |
microsoft_docs_fetch | Get full page content | Deep dive into important pages |
microsoft_code_sample_search | Find code examples | Get implementation patterns |
If the Learn MCP server is not available, use the mslearn CLI from a terminal or shell (for example, Bash, PowerShell, or cmd) instead:
# Run directly (no install needed)
npx @microsoft/learn-cli search "semantic kernel overview"
# Or install globally, then run
npm install -g @microsoft/learn-cli
mslearn search "semantic kernel overview"
| MCP Tool | CLI Command |
|---|---|
microsoft_docs_search(query: "...") | mslearn search "..." |
microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "...", language: "...") | mslearn code-search "..." --language ... |
microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...") | mslearn fetch "..." |
Generated skills should include this same CLI fallback table so agents can use either path.
Build deep understanding using Learn MCP tools in three phases:
Phase 1 - Scope Discovery:
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} overview what is")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} concepts architecture")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} getting started tutorial")
Phase 2 - Core Content:
microsoft_docs_fetch(url="...") # Fetch pages from Phase 1
microsoft_code_sample_search(query="{technology}", language="{lang}")
Phase 3 - Depth:
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} best practices")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} troubleshooting errors")
After investigating, verify:
Present findings and ask:
Use the appropriate template from skill-templates.md:
| Technology Type | Template |
|---|---|
| Client library, NuGet/npm package | SDK/Library |
| Azure resource | Azure Service |
| App development framework | Framework/Platform |
| REST API, protocol | API/Protocol |
{skill-name}/
├── SKILL.md # Core knowledge + Learn MCP guidance
├── references/ # Detailed local documentation (if needed)
└── sample_codes/ # Working code examples
├── getting-started/
└── common-patterns/
Store locally when:
Keep dynamic when:
| Content Type | Local | Dynamic |
|---|---|---|
| Core concepts (3-5) | ✅ Full | |
| Hello world code | ✅ Full | |
| Common patterns (3-5) | ✅ Full | |
| Top API methods | Signature + example | Full docs via fetch |
| Best practices | Top 5 bullets | Search for more |
| Troubleshooting | Search queries | |
| Full API reference | Doc links |
"{name} overview" → purpose, architecture
"{name} getting started quickstart" → setup steps
"{name} API reference" → core classes/methods
"{name} samples examples" → code patterns
"{name} best practices performance" → optimization
"{service} overview features" → capabilities
"{service} quickstart {language}" → setup code
"{service} REST API reference" → endpoints
"{service} SDK {language}" → client library
"{service} pricing limits quotas" → constraints
"{framework} architecture concepts" → mental model
"{framework} project structure" → conventions
"{framework} tutorial walkthrough" → end-to-end flow
"{framework} configuration options" → customization
microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel overview")
microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel plugins functions")
microsoft_code_sample_search(query="semantic kernel", language="csharp")
microsoft_docs_fetch(url="https://learn.microsoft.com/semantic-kernel/overview/")
semantic-kernel/
├── SKILL.md
└── sample_codes/
├── getting-started/
│ └── hello-kernel.cs
└── common-patterns/
├── chat-completion.cs
└── function-calling.cs
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