metaskill-grouping

# Skill Groups: The Superior Pattern for Complex Topics

**This skill IS the pattern it teaches.** The metaskill plugin demonstrates skill groups in action.

## The Key Questions

When someone asks to "create a skill", first ask:

> **1. What should I name this?**
> See `/metaskill-naming` for the naming convention (neutral noun prefix, -ing suffix).
>
> **2. Is this a SINGLE skill or a SKILL GROUP?**
> If the topic has 3+ distinct concerns users might approach differently, you need a skill GROUP, not a monolithic skill.

## Why Skill Groups Beat Monolithic Skills

### The Problem with Monolithic Skills

```
big-skill/
  SKILL.md          <- One description (limited trigger opportunities)
  references/       <- OPTIONAL reading (often skipped)
    deep-topic-1.md
    deep-topic-2.md
```

**Issues:**
- Single description = limited trigger keywords
- References are OPTIONAL = deep knowledge often missed
- Skill body becomes huge and unfocused
- Hard to find specific information

### The Skill Group Solution

```
plugin-name/                        <- Neutral noun (e.g., metaskill, codeforge)
  skills/
    plugin-name-doing/              <- ends in -ing
    plugin-name-optimizing/         <- ends in -ing
    plugin-name-building/           <- ends in -ing
```

**Benefits:**
- N descriptions = N× more trigger opportunities
- Each skill body is MANDATORY when triggered (not optional like references)
- Cross-references teach Claude about sibling skills
- Users enter from multiple angles, always get relevant content

## Comparison Table

| Aspect | Monolithic Skill | Skill Group |
|--------|-----------------|-------------|
| Trigger opportunities | 1 description | N descriptions (3x more chances) |
| Body reading | MANDATORY but huge | MANDATORY and focused |
| Reference reading | OPTIONAL (often skipped) | N/A - body IS the content |
| Cross-referencing | Within single file | Across skills (learned dynamically) |
| Discoverability | Limited by single description | Multipl