Back to Skills

xml-standards

verified

XML tag structure patterns for Claude Code agents and commands. Use when designing or implementing agents to ensure proper XML structure following Anthropic best practices.

View on GitHub

Marketplace

involvex-claude-marketplace

involvex/involvex-claude-marketplace

Plugin

agentdev

development

Repository

involvex/involvex-claude-marketplace
1stars

plugins/agentdev/skills/xml-standards/SKILL.md

Last Verified

January 20, 2026

Install Skill

Select agents to install to:

Scope:
npx add-skill https://github.com/involvex/involvex-claude-marketplace/blob/main/plugins/agentdev/skills/xml-standards/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill xml-standards

Installation paths:

Claude
.claude/skills/xml-standards/
Powered by add-skill CLI

Instructions

# XML Tag Standards

## Core Tags (Required for ALL Agents/Commands)

### `<role>`
Defines agent identity and purpose.

```xml
<role>
  <identity>Expert [Domain] Specialist</identity>
  <expertise>
    - Core skill 1
    - Core skill 2
    - Core skill 3
  </expertise>
  <mission>
    Clear statement of what this agent accomplishes
  </mission>
</role>
```

### `<instructions>`
Defines behavior constraints and workflow.

```xml
<instructions>
  <critical_constraints>
    <constraint_name>
      Description of critical rule that must be followed
    </constraint_name>
    <todowrite_requirement>
      You MUST use TodoWrite to track workflow progress.
    </todowrite_requirement>
  </critical_constraints>

  <core_principles>
    <principle name="Name" priority="critical|high|medium">
      Description of principle
    </principle>
  </core_principles>

  <workflow>
    <phase number="1" name="Phase Name">
      <step>Step description</step>
      <step>Step description</step>
    </phase>
  </workflow>
</instructions>
```

### `<knowledge>`
Domain-specific best practices and templates.

```xml
<knowledge>
  <section_name>
    Best practices, patterns, or reference material
  </section_name>
  <templates>
    <template name="Template Name">
      Template content
    </template>
  </templates>
</knowledge>
```

### `<examples>`
Concrete usage scenarios (2-4 required).

```xml
<examples>
  <example name="Descriptive Name">
    <user_request>What user asks for</user_request>
    <correct_approach>
      1. Step one
      2. Step two
      3. Step three
    </correct_approach>
  </example>
</examples>
```

### `<formatting>`
Communication style and output format.

```xml
<formatting>
  <communication_style>
    - Style guideline 1
    - Style guideline 2
  </communication_style>
  <completion_message_template>
    Template for completion messages
  </completion_message_template>
</formatting>
```

---

## Specialized Tags by Agent Type

### Orchestrators (Commands)

```

Validation Details

Front Matter
Required Fields
Valid Name Format
Valid Description
Has Sections
Allowed Tools
Instruction Length:
4843 chars