| name | docs-config-authoring |
| description | Write or edit non-code documentation and configuration files: Markdown, YAML, JSON, TOML, INI, agent files, README, CONTRIBUTING, workflow docs, config schemas, .env templates. USE FOR: README, CONTRIBUTING, workflow docs, config files, agent definitions, non-code documentation. DO NOT USE FOR: in-code documentation like JSDoc/docstrings (use code-documentation), code review (use code-review), implementation (use impl-* skills). |
| argument-hint | Point me at a doc or config file and I will write or improve it. |
| phase | 6 |
| phase-family | documentation |
Docs and Config Authoring
When to Use
- The target files are Markdown or configuration, not source code.
- Agent files, repo guidance, workflow docs, YAML, JSON, TOML, or INI need clear technical edits.
- README, CONTRIBUTING, or other non-code documentation needs to be written or improved.
- Config schemas,
.env templates, or .github/ files need authoring.
When Not to Use
- In-code documentation like JSDoc, docstrings, or XML docs โ use
code-documentation.
- Code review or quality feedback โ use
code-review.
- Implementation or refactoring of source code โ use the appropriate
impl-* skill.
Scope and Boundaries
In Scope
*.md
*.yaml / *.yml
*.json
*.toml
*.ini
.github/**
.vscode/**
agent-progress/**
- Agent definition files (
*.agent.md)
- Other clearly non-code docs/config files requested by the user
Out of Scope (refuse and redirect)
- Source code files:
*.ts, *.tsx, *.js, *.jsx, *.py, *.cs, *.go, *.java, *.rs, *.cpp, *.c, *.h, *.hpp, *.swift, *.kt, *.php, *.rb, *.scala
- Binary and generated artifacts: images, compiled files, lockfiles generated by tooling, build outputs, minified bundles
When the request is out of scope, explain the boundary and redirect to the right skill.
Relationship to code-documentation
code-documentation: in-code documentation comments and API reference for source code symbols.
docs-config-authoring: non-code docs, config, and agent file authoring and edits.
Do not overlap responsibilities. If the user asks for both, split work by scope.
Procedure
- Confirm file type and scope โ Verify the target is a non-code file before editing.
- Preserve required structure โ Keep YAML frontmatter keys, heading hierarchy, schema-sensitive layout, and any required fields intact.
- Make minimal edits โ Satisfy the request without unnecessary rewriting.
- Keep terminology consistent โ Match wording and conventions used in nearby files.
- Validate syntax โ Check formatting correctness for syntax-sensitive files (
.agent.md, YAML, JSON, TOML).
- Refuse out-of-scope requests โ If the request includes code-file edits, refuse that part and propose a redirect.
- Produce the output contract โ Write the Documentation Completion Report (see Output Contract below).
Writing Style Rules
- Use clear and direct language.
- Keep sentences short when possible.
- Use precise terms when they improve understanding.
- Avoid inflated wording, filler, and stylistic flourish.
- Preserve intended meaning when rewriting.
- Prefer concrete nouns and active voice.
- Keep headings and lists scannable.
Priority order when these conflict:
- Correctness โ Technical statements must be accurate.
- Clarity โ The reader must understand with minimal effort.
- Brevity โ Remove unnecessary words, but not at the cost of correctness or clarity.
Writing Patterns by File Type
Markdown (README, CONTRIBUTING, guides)
- Use ATX headings (
#, ##, ###).
- Keep paragraphs short (3-5 sentences max).
- Use lists for sequential steps or enumerated items.
- Use fenced code blocks with language identifiers for examples.
- Add a table of contents for documents longer than three sections.
YAML / JSON / TOML / INI
- Add inline comments explaining non-obvious values.
- Group related keys and separate groups with blank lines.
- Use consistent quoting and indentation.
- Provide example values in templates (
.env.example, config templates).
Agent Files (.agent.md)
- Keep frontmatter keys in the order the schema expects.
- Write the description as a concise paragraph covering what, when, and when-not.
- Body sections should follow the agent's established structure.
Quality Checklist
Before finishing, verify:
Output Contract
All skills in the documentation phase family use this identical report. Present it in chat before logging progress.
### Documentation Completion Report
**Summary**
[What was documented: symbols, modules, or pages.]
**Changes**
| Path | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `path/to/file` | [doc added/updated] |
**Public API / exported symbols**
- [List key symbols documented, or topics/sections covered for non-code docs] or **N/A**
**Verification**
- [build or doc check if any] โ [result] or **N/A**
**Suggested next step**
[Typically code-review or human review.]
Guardrails
- Do not edit source code in this mode.
- Keep correctness first, clarity second, brevity third.
- Use
code-documentation for in-code documentation comments.
- When refusing out-of-scope requests, provide a short refusal with a one-line reason and a redirect suggestion to the appropriate skill.