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Skill — Reusable AI Instruction Package

Skill

TL;DR: A skill is a folder containing a SKILL.md file that teaches Claude how to handle specific tasks. Unlike prompts that disappear, skills persist — teach Claude once, benefit every time.

Definition

A skill is a portable instruction package that customizes Claude for specific workflows. It consists of:

ComponentRequiredPurpose
SKILL.mdYesMain instructions with YAML frontmatter
scripts/NoExecutable code (Python, Bash)
references/NoDocumentation loaded on demand
assets/NoTemplates, fonts, icons

Key Characteristics

Persistent — Instructions survive across conversations, unlike regular prompts.

Composable — Multiple skills can work together simultaneously.

Portable — Works across Claude.ai, Claude Code, and API.

Progressive — Uses three-level loading to minimize token usage.

The Kitchen Analogy

LayerRole
MCPThe professional kitchen (access to tools)
SkillsThe recipes (how to use tools effectively)

MCP provides what Claude can do. Skills provide how Claude should do it.

Three Categories

  1. Document & Asset Creation — Consistent outputs (docs, presentations, code)
  2. Workflow Automation — Multi-step processes with consistent methodology
  3. MCP Enhancement — Workflow guidance layered on MCP tool access

Example Use Cases

  • Generating frontend designs from specs
  • Conducting research with consistent methodology
  • Creating documents following team style guides
  • Orchestrating multi-step business processes
  • Sprint planning with Linear or Asana

Technical Requirements

  • File must be named exactly SKILL.md (case-sensitive)
  • Folder names use kebab-case: project-setup not Project Setup
  • YAML frontmatter must include name and description
  • Description must specify WHAT the skill does AND WHEN to use it

Business Value

Without skills: Each conversation starts from scratch; tribal knowledge stays in people’s heads; inconsistent results.

With skills: Organizational knowledge embedded in AI; consistent execution; lower learning curve for integrations.

Sources