anthropics/example-skill

Example Skill

This skill demonstrates the structure and format for Claude Code plugin skills.

Overview

Skills are model-invoked capabilities that Claude autonomously uses based on task context. Unlike commands (user-invoked) or agents (spawned by Claude), skills provide contextual guidance that Claude incorporates into its responses.

When This Skill Applies

This skill activates when the user's request involves:

• Creating or understanding plugin skills
• Skill template or reference needs
• Skill development patterns

Skill Structure

Required Files

skills/
└── skill-name/
    └── SKILL.md          # Main skill definition (required)

Optional Supporting Files

skills/
└── skill-name/
    ├── SKILL.md          # Main skill definition
    ├── README.md         # Additional documentation
    ├── references/       # Reference materials
    │   └── patterns.md
    ├── examples/         # Example files
    │   └── sample.md
    └── scripts/          # Helper scripts
        └── helper.sh

Frontmatter Options

Skills support these frontmatter fields:

• name (required): Skill identifier
• description (required): Trigger conditions - describe when Claude should use this skill
• version (optional): Semantic version number
• license (optional): License information or reference

Writing Effective Descriptions

The description field is crucial - it tells Claude when to invoke the skill.

Good description patterns:

description: This skill should be used when the user asks to "specific phrase", "another phrase", mentions "keyword", or discusses topic-area.

Include:

• Specific trigger phrases users might say
• Keywords that indicate relevance
• Topic areas the skill covers

Skill Content Guidelines

1. Clear purpose: State what the skill helps with
2. When to use: Define activation conditions
3. Structured guidance: Organize information logically
4. Actionable instructions: Provide concrete steps
5. Examples: Include practical examples when helpful

Best Practices

• Keep skills focused on a single domain
• Write descriptions that clearly indicate when to activate
• Include reference materials in subdirectories for complex skills
• Test that the skill activates for expected queries
• Avoid overlap with other skills' trigger conditions