dx-harness-writing-skills

Create and test agent skills using test-driven development with subagent pressure scenarios.

3|5|Updated Jan 21, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/DEEPX-AI/dx_stream --skill dx-harness-writing-skills-deepx-ai
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: dx-harness-writing-skills
Source: https://github.com/DEEPX-AI/dx_stream/tree/main/.deepx/skills/dx-harness-writing-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/DEEPX-AI/dx_stream --skill dx-harness-writing-skills-deepx-ai

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires graphviz.

What problem does it solve? Writing agent skills without testing them against real agent behavior leads to documentation that agents ignore, misinterpret, or rationalize away under pressure, resulting in unreliable process guidance. ## Core Features & Use Cases - TDD-Based Skill Authoring: Applies the RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle to skill creation by running baseline pressure scenarios with subagents before writing any documentation. - Rationalization Bulletproofing: Provides techniques to close loopholes, build rationalization tables, and create red flag lists so discipline-enforcing skills resist agent workarounds. - Discovery Optimization: Guides writing effective YAML frontmatter descriptions, keyword coverage, and token-efficient content so future agents can find and load the skill. - Use Case: When creating a new skill that enforces a rule like test-driven development, run pressure scenarios (time pressure, sunk cost, authority) with subagents first, document their exact rationalizations, then write the skill to counter those specific excuses. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to create a new skill for a specific technique, starting with baseline pressure scenarios tested on subagents before writing the SKILL.md file.

Frequently Asked Questions about dx-harness-writing-skills

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

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

Run pressure scenarios with subagents without the skill first to document baseline failures verbatim, then write the skill addressing those failures and re-test until agents comply. Combine three or more pressures like time limits, sunk cost, and authority for realistic testing.

What makes a good SKILL.md description field?▼

Start with "Use when..." and describe only triggering conditions and symptoms, never the skill's workflow. Write in third person, include concrete keywords agents would search for, and keep it under 500 characters.

Why do agents ignore skills under pressure?▼

Agents rationalize violations using excuses like sunk cost, time pressure, or spirit-versus-letter arguments. Skills must explicitly counter each observed rationalization with negations, red flag lists, and foundational principles to remain effective.

When should I not create a new skill?▼

Skip skill creation for one-off solutions, project-specific conventions better placed in CLAUDE.md, well-documented standard practices, and mechanical constraints that can be enforced with automated validation instead of documentation.

How do I render flowcharts from a SKILL.md file?▼

Run the render-graphs.js script with the skill directory path to extract dot blocks and render them to SVG files. It requires graphviz installed on the system and supports a --combine flag to merge all diagrams into one SVG.