create-skill

# Creating Claude Skills

## Quick Start

Create a skill by making a `SKILL.md` file in `.claude/skills/<skill-name>/`:

```markdown
---
name: my-skill-name
description: Brief description of what this skill does and when to use it.
---

# My Skill Name

## Instructions
[Your instructions here]
```

## Required Structure

Every skill needs:

1. **SKILL.md file** with YAML frontmatter
2. **name field**: lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens only (max 64 chars)
3. **description field**: what the skill does AND when to use it (max 1024 chars)

## Skill Directory Layout

```
.claude/skills/
└── my-skill/
    ├── SKILL.md          # Main instructions (required)
    ├── reference.md      # Additional details (optional)
    └── scripts/          # Utility scripts (optional)
        └── helper.py
```

## Writing the Description

The description is critical for skill discovery. Include:
- What the skill does
- When Claude should use it
- Key trigger words

**Good example:**
```yaml
description: Generate git commit messages by analyzing staged changes. Use when committing code, writing commit messages, or reviewing diffs.
```

**Bad example:**
```yaml
description: Helps with git stuff
```

## Skill Templates

### Template 1: Instructions-Only Skill

For guidance-based skills without code:

```markdown
---
name: code-review
description: Review code for bugs, style, and best practices. Use when reviewing pull requests, analyzing code quality, or checking for issues.
---

# Code Review

## Process

1. Read the code thoroughly
2. Check for bugs and edge cases
3. Verify style consistency
4. Suggest improvements

## Checklist

- [ ] No obvious bugs
- [ ] Error handling present
- [ ] Consistent naming
- [ ] No security issues
```

### Template 2: Skill with Scripts

For skills that include executable utilities:

```markdown
---
name: data-validation
description: Validate data files against schemas. Use when checking CSV, JSON, or config file formats.
---

# Data Validation

## Usage

R