What files are required for a Claude Code skill?

The only strictly required file is a SKILL.md file located within a subfolder of the skills/ directory, which contains the skill's name and description.

What is a Claude Code Skill?

A skill is a model-invoked capability that Claude autonomously uses based on the context of a task to provide specific guidance or implementation patterns.

What is the difference between a skill and a command?

Commands are manually invoked by the user, whereas skills are contextual instructions that Claude incorporates into its logic automatically when relevant.

How do I trigger a Claude Code skill?

Skills are triggered based on the 'description' field in the SKILL.md file. When a user's request matches keywords or intent described there, Claude activates the skill.

Claude Code Skill Architect

Name: Claude Code Skill Architect
Author: nordeim

bynordeim

Developer Tools

Provides a standardized template and best practices for creating custom Claude Code plugin skills and development patterns.

About

This skill acts as a comprehensive reference and blueprint for developers building Claude Code plugins. It defines the required file structure, frontmatter metadata, and trigger descriptions necessary to create effective model-invoked capabilities. By following the patterns established in this skill, users can ensure their custom skills are properly activated by Claude and provide structured, actionable guidance for domain-specific tasks.

Key Features

Hierarchical directory organization for complex skills
Best practices for domain-focused skill activation
Standardized SKILL.md template structure
Effective trigger description writing patterns
Frontmatter metadata specification and versioning
0 GitHub stars

Use Cases

Generating a boilerplate for new Claude Code skills
Optimizing skill descriptions for accurate model invocation
Learning the organizational structure of plugin repositories

About

Key Features

Hierarchical directory organization for complex skills
Best practices for domain-focused skill activation
Standardized SKILL.md template structure
Effective trigger description writing patterns
Frontmatter metadata specification and versioning
0 GitHub stars

Use Cases

Generating a boilerplate for new Claude Code skills
Optimizing skill descriptions for accurate model invocation
Learning the organizational structure of plugin repositories