Example Skill
- 23 installs
- 4 repo stars
- Updated April 11, 2026
- 89jobrien/steve
example-skill is a Claude Code skill that demonstrates the correct structure, format, and best practices for authoring new skills.
About
example-skill is a Claude Code skill that demonstrates the correct structure and format for authoring skills. A developer reads it as a reference when creating a new skill, learning the YAML frontmatter, content layout, and how to bundle resources. It documents required sections, best practices, and anti-patterns to avoid.
- Demonstration skill showing proper SKILL.md structure and format
- Documents required sections, progressive disclosure, and anti-patterns
- A reference template for authoring new Claude Code skills
Example Skill by the numbers
- 23 all-time installs (skills.sh)
- Ranked #442 of 782 Skill Development skills by installs in the Skillselion catalog
- Data as of Jul 28, 2026 (Skillselion catalog sync)
example-skill capabilities & compatibility
- Capabilities
- skill authoring · skill scaffolding
- Use cases
- documentation
- Pricing
- Free
What example-skill says it does
This skill should be used when demonstrating skill structure and format.
A demonstration skill showing the proper structure and format for Claude Code skills.
Demonstrates proper YAML frontmatter format
npx skills add https://github.com/89jobrien/steve --skill example-skillAdd your badge
Show developers this skill is listed on Skillselion. Paste this into your README.
| Installs | 23 |
|---|---|
| repo stars | ★ 4 |
| Last updated | April 11, 2026 |
| Repository | 89jobrien/steve ↗ |
What it does
Learn the correct structure and format for writing a new Claude Code skill.
Who is it for?
Developers creating a new Claude Code skill who need a reference for structure and frontmatter.
Skip if: Any production task; it is a demonstration template, not a functional tool.
When should I use this skill?
You are creating a new skill and need a reference for structure and format.
What you get
Gives a working example of frontmatter, section structure, workflows, and anti-patterns to copy when building a skill.
- reference structure for a new skill
By the numbers
- 4 core principles for skill authoring
- 4-step example workflow
Files
Example Skill
A demonstration skill showing the proper structure and format for Claude Code skills.
When to Use This Skill
- Creating new skills and need a reference
- Understanding skill structure and best practices
- Learning how to bundle resources with skills
What This Skill Does
1. Demonstrates proper YAML frontmatter format 2. Shows content structure requirements 3. Provides examples of bundled resources 4. Illustrates best practices for skill documentation
Core Principles
Principle 1: Clear Purpose
Skills should have a clear, well-defined purpose. The "When to Use" section should make it obvious when to apply the skill.
Principle 2: Progressive Disclosure
Structure content from high-level overview to detailed implementation. Start with "When to Use" and "What This Skill Does" before diving into workflows.
Principle 3: Actionable Workflows
Provide step-by-step workflows that can be followed directly. Include examples and anti-patterns.
Workflow
Step 1: Identify Need
Determine if this skill is appropriate for the current task.
Step 2: Review Documentation
Read the skill documentation to understand capabilities and limitations.
Step 3: Apply Skill
Follow the workflow steps to apply the skill.
Step 4: Validate Results
Check that the skill achieved the intended outcome.
Best Practices
- Keep skills focused on a single domain or capability
- Include clear examples and use cases
- Document anti-patterns to avoid common mistakes
- Bundle resources when they add value
Anti-Patterns
- Creating overly broad skills that try to do everything
- Skipping the "When to Use" section
- Missing examples or use cases
- Not documenting bundled resources
Examples
Example 1: Basic Usage
Scenario: Creating a new skill for code review
Approach:
1. Review this example skill structure 2. Use the template from steve/templates/AGENT_SKILL.template.md 3. Fill in domain-specific content 4. Add bundled resources if needed
Reference Files
This skill includes reference files in references/:
structure-guide.md: Detailed structure guidelinesexamples.md: Additional examples
Skill Structure Guide
Reference guide for creating well-structured skills.
Required Sections
1. When to Use - Trigger conditions 2. What This Skill Does - Capabilities 3. Core Principles - Domain knowledge 4. Workflow - Step-by-step process 5. Best Practices - Do's 6. Anti-Patterns - Don'ts 7. Examples - Usage scenarios
Optional Sections
- Reference Files - Documentation in
references/ - Scripts - Executable code in
scripts/ - Assets - Output examples in
assets/
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Is this a working tool?
No. It is a demonstration skill showing the proper structure and format for Claude Code skills.
What does it teach?
Proper YAML frontmatter, content structure, bundling resources, and best practices.