When to Use
When creating or validating skills. Reference for SKILL-CREATOR and SKILL-VALIDATOR.
Patterns
Size Limits
code
Target: 400-1000 tokens (optimal) Maximum: 1500 tokens (hard limit) Per task: max 3 skills loaded Estimation: 1 word ≈ 1.3 tokens 1 code line ≈ 10 tokens Full skill ≈ 100-150 lines
Confidence Levels
code
HIGH: - 2+ authoritative sources (Tier 1-2) - Patterns tested in production - Official docs cited MEDIUM: - 1 authoritative source - Community-validated patterns - Reputable tech blog LOW: - Blog posts only - Experimental/unverified - No official source
Required Sections
markdown
--- [YAML frontmatter with metadata] sources: - [URL or internal path] --- ## When to Use [1-2 sentences - clear trigger] ## Patterns [2-3 patterns with code examples] [Each with source citation] ## Anti-Patterns [What NOT to do + why] ## Verification Checklist [Actionable checks]
Skill Types
code
Generic: .claude/skills/generic/
Tech-agnostic, reusable anywhere
Domain: .claude/skills/domain/
Industry-specific (fintech, healthcare)
Project: .claude/skills/project/
Repo-specific patterns
Anti-Patterns
- •Skills over 1500 tokens (split them)
- •Patterns without source links in frontmatter
- •Vague "When to Use" triggers
- •Theory without code examples
- •Missing anti-patterns section
Verification Checklist
- • Under 1500 tokens
- • Every pattern has source in frontmatter
- • "When to Use" is specific
- • 2+ patterns with code
- • Anti-patterns included
- • Checklist is actionable