Creating Skills

Applies test-driven development to writing and validating reusable skill documentation.

Updated Dec 4, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dallascrilley/dowser --skill creating-skills-dallascrilley
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Creating Skills
Source: https://github.com/dallascrilley/dowser/tree/main/skills/creating-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dallascrilley/dowser --skill creating-skills-dallascrilley

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Writing reusable skill documentation without verification leads to instructions that agents misinterpret or ignore under pressure. This Skill enforces a TDD discipline for documentation: test with subagents first, watch baseline failures, then write and iterate until the skill is bulletproof. ## Core Features & Use Cases - RED-GREEN-REFACTOR for docs: Run pressure scenarios with subagents before writing, capture verbatim rationalizations, then write the minimal skill that counters them. - Claude Search Optimization (CSO): Guidance on rich when_to_use fields, keyword coverage, naming conventions, and token budgets so future agents can actually discover the skill. - Skill type testing strategies: Distinct test approaches for discipline-enforcing, technique, pattern, and reference skills, plus rationalization tables and red-flag lists to close loopholes. - Use Case: After discovering a useful debugging technique, run baseline subagent scenarios without documentation, write a SKILL.md addressing the observed failures, and re-test until agents comply under time, sunk-cost, and authority pressure. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to help you create a new skill by first running baseline subagent test scenarios, then drafting the SKILL.md and iterating until the tests pass.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creating Skills

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I test a skill before deploying it?▼

Run pressure scenarios with subagents before writing the skill to capture baseline failures, then re-run the same scenarios with the skill present to verify compliance. Iterate by closing loopholes until agents follow the instructions under combined pressures like time and sunk cost.

What should go in a SKILL.md frontmatter?▼

Include name, description, when_to_use with concrete symptoms, version, and languages. The when_to_use field is critical for discovery, so list error messages, symptoms, and synonyms that a searching agent would grep for.

How do I make a skill discoverable by search?▼

Use a verb-first descriptive name, repeat key concepts across the description, when_to_use, and section headers, and include searchable terms like error messages and tool names. Keep frequently loaded skills under 200 words for token efficiency.

When should I not create a skill?▼

Skip skill creation for one-off solutions, project-specific conventions that belong in CLAUDE.md, and standard practices already well documented elsewhere. Skills should capture reusable techniques, patterns, or references that apply across projects.

Why do agents ignore skill instructions under pressure?▼

Agents rationalize exceptions when facing time pressure, sunk cost, or authority cues. Counter this by explicitly forbidding known workarounds, adding rationalization tables, red-flag lists, and a statement that violating the letter of the rules violates the spirit.