writing-skills

Apply test-driven development cycles to author and validate skill documentation.

5|Updated Feb 24, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mrtolkien/GHOST --skill writing-skills-mrtolkien
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: writing-skills
Source: https://github.com/mrtolkien/GHOST/tree/main/prompts/skills/superpowers/writing-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mrtolkien/GHOST --skill writing-skills-mrtolkien

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Writing skills in GHOST often lack a structured, validated process. This guide applies test-driven development to process documentation to ensure skills are created with verifiable tests and robust guidance, reducing drift and ensuring consistency across deployments.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • TDD-aligned skill authoring workflow (RED-GREEN-REFACTOR)
  • Mechanisms to capture rationalizations, red flags, and rationalization tables
  • Clear frontmatter requirements, cross-skill references, and deployment-ready quality checks
  • Use case: authoring a new skill and validating it through repeated testing cycles before deployment

Quick Start

Write a minimal skill.md that begins with a YAML frontmatter containing name and description, and demonstrates a small RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions about writing-skills

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I apply test-driven development to process documentation?▼

Test-driven development for process documentation involves defining RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycles to write, validate, and refactor skill workflows. You start by capturing a failing test for the desired behavior, create documentation to pass it, and then refactor for clarity.

What is the best way to structure skill metadata for discoverability?▼

To structure skill metadata for discoverability, enforce structured YAML frontmatter containing name and description, concise descriptions, and cross-references. This ensures the skill is deployment-ready, safe, and reusable across real-world scenarios.

How do I capture rationalizations when writing skills?▼

Capture rationalizations during skill writing by using rationalization tables and red flags within your process documentation. This mechanism records edge-case decisions and deviations, ensuring discipline-enforcing skills remain consistent and reducing drift across deployments.

Why does my skill documentation lose consistency across deployments?▼

Skill documentation loses consistency across deployments due to a lack of a structured, validated process. Applying test-driven development to process documentation with quality assurance checks ensures verifiable tests and robust guidance that reduce drift.

What quality checks do I need for deployment-ready skills?▼

Deployment-ready skills require quality checks that enforce structured frontmatter, concise descriptions, cross-skill references, and red flags. These checks ensure the final process documentation is discoverable, safe, and reusable before deployment.