| name | skill-authoring |
| description | Guide to creating Claude Code skills using TDD methodology and persuasion principles. Use for new skill development. |
| version | 1.9.0 |
| alwaysApply | false |
| category | skill-development |
| tags | ["authoring","tdd","skills","writing","best-practices","validation"] |
| modules | ["tdd-methodology","persuasion-principles","description-writing","progressive-disclosure","anti-rationalization","graphviz-conventions","deployment-checklist"] |
| dependencies | ["modular-skills"] |
| estimated_tokens | 1500 |
| model_hint | standard |
Skill Authoring Guide
Overview
Writing effective Claude Code skills requires Test-Driven Development (TDD) and persuasion principles from compliance research. We treat skill writing as process documentation that needs empirical validation rather than just theoretical instruction. Skills are behavioral interventions designed to change model behavior in measurable ways.
By using TDD, we ensure skills address actual failure modes identified through testing. Optimized descriptions improve discovery, while a modular structure supports progressive disclosure to manage token usage. This framework also includes anti-rationalization patterns to prevent the assistant from bypassing requirements.
The Iron Law
NO SKILL WITHOUT A FAILING TEST FIRST
Every skill must begin with documented evidence of Claude failing without it. This validates that you are solving a real problem. No implementation should proceed without a failing test, and no completion claim should be accepted without evidence. Detailed enforcement patterns for adversarial verification and coverage gates are available in imbue:proof-of-work.
Skill Types
We categorize skills into three types: Technique skills for specific methods, Pattern skills for recurring solutions, and Reference skills for quick lookups and checklists. This helps organize interventions into the most effective format for the task.
Quick Start
Skill Analysis
```bash
Analyze skill complexity
python scripts/analyze.py
Estimate tokens
python scripts/tokens.py
```
Validation
```bash
Validate skill structure
python scripts/abstract_validator.py --check
```
Verification: Run analysis and review token estimates before proceeding.
Description Optimization
Skill descriptions must be optimized for semantic search and explicit triggering. Follow the formula [What it does] + [When to use it] + [Key triggers]. Use a third-person voice (e.g., "Guides...", "Provides...") and include specific, concrete use cases. Avoid marketing language or vague phrases like "helps with coding."
Skill Character Budget (Claude Code 2.1.32+)
Skill description character budgets now scale with context window at 2% of available context. This means:
| Context Window | Description Budget |
|---|
| 200K (Sonnet/Haiku) | ~4,000 characters |
|