What are trigger phrases in skill descriptions?

Trigger phrases are specific quotes included in the YAML metadata that help Claude identify exactly when a user's request should activate that particular skill.

Why is the progressive disclosure principle important?

It manages the AI's context window by loading information in tiers (Metadata > SKILL.md > Resources), ensuring Claude stays efficient and doesn't become overwhelmed by unnecessary data.

What is a Claude Code Skill?

A skill is a modular package containing instructions, scripts, and references that extend Claude Code's capabilities for specific domains or repetitive tasks.

How should I write instructions in SKILL.md?

Instructions should be written in the imperative or infinitive form (e.g., 'To validate X, run Y') to provide clear, objective guidance for the AI.

What is the difference between scripts and references in a skill?

Scripts are executable code (Python/Bash) used for deterministic tasks, while references are documentation files loaded into context only when Claude needs specific domain knowledge.

Skill Development

Name: Skill Development
Author: jawhnycooke

byjawhnycooke

0•

Developer Tools

Streamlines the creation of high-performance Claude Code skills using standardized architectural patterns and context-optimization strategies.

The Skill Development skill serves as a comprehensive framework for developers building Claude Code plugins, providing a structured approach to extending Claude's capabilities. It guides users through the 'Anatomy of a Skill,' enforcing the principle of progressive disclosure to ensure efficient context window management. By standardizing SKILL.md formatting, YAML metadata, and the organization of bundled resources like scripts and reference files, this skill transforms Claude into a specialized agent capable of following complex, domain-specific procedures with deterministic reliability.

Key Features

01Standardized SKILL.md templates with optimized YAML frontmatter

02Guidance on organizing executable scripts and reference documentation

03Best practices for defining high-accuracy skill trigger phrases

040 GitHub stars

05Progressive disclosure patterns to minimize context window usage

06Imperative writing style enforcement for better AI instruction following

Use Cases

01Building a new specialized skill for a custom Claude Code plugin

02Organizing domain-specific knowledge into structured reference and asset directories

03Optimizing existing skills to reduce token overhead and prevent context bloat

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add jawhnycooke/claude-plugins skill-development

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Key Features

01Standardized SKILL.md templates with optimized YAML frontmatter

02Guidance on organizing executable scripts and reference documentation

03Best practices for defining high-accuracy skill trigger phrases

040 GitHub stars

05Progressive disclosure patterns to minimize context window usage

06Imperative writing style enforcement for better AI instruction following

Use Cases

01Building a new specialized skill for a custom Claude Code plugin

02Organizing domain-specific knowledge into structured reference and asset directories

03Optimizing existing skills to reduce token overhead and prevent context bloat

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add jawhnycooke/claude-plugins skill-development

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT