template

name	template
description	Template for creating skills with Code Before Prompts pattern Use when this capability is needed.
metadata	{"author":"davidmoneil"}

Skill Template

This is the template skill demonstrating the Code Before Prompts pattern. Copy this directory when creating new skills that need deterministic tools.

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Overview

Aspect	Description
Purpose	Template for new skills with TypeScript tools
Pattern	Code Before Prompts
When to Use	Creating skills that need file generation, validation, or data processing

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Quick Actions

Need	Action	Command
List templates	See available templates	npx tsx tools/index.ts list
Create document	Generate from template	npx tsx tools/index.ts create <template> "<name>"
Validate file	Check against schema	npx tsx tools/index.ts validate <path>

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Using Tools

This skill includes deterministic tools for common operations.

List Available Templates

cd .claude/skills/_template
npx tsx tools/index.ts list

Create from Template

# Create a default document
npx tsx tools/index.ts create default "My Document"

# Create a specification
npx tsx tools/index.ts create spec "API Design"

Validate a File

npx tsx tools/index.ts validate ./path/to/file.md

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How to Use This Template

1. Copy the Template

cp -r .claude/skills/_template .claude/skills/my-new-skill

2. Update Configuration

Edit config.json:

• Change name and description
• Add your skill-specific templates
• Update validation rules

3. Create Templates

Add .md files to templates/ with placeholders:

• {{NAME}} - The name provided to the create command
• {{DATE}} - Current date (YYYY-MM-DD)
• {{SLUG}} - Name converted to lowercase-with-dashes
• {{TIMESTAMP}} - Full ISO timestamp

4. Extend Tools (Optional)

Add custom commands to tools/index.ts:

case 'my-custom-command':
  // Your deterministic logic here
  break;

5. Write SKILL.md

Document your skill's:

• Workflow phases
• Tool commands
• Integration points with TELOS, orchestration, etc.

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Code Before Prompts Principle

Use CODE for:

• File creation and manipulation
• Template rendering
• Validation
• Data transformation
• Path resolution

Use AI for:

• Content generation
• Decision making
• Analysis and synthesis
• Creative tasks

This separation ensures:

• Repeatability: Same inputs → same outputs
• Scalability: Code handles heavy lifting
• Reliability: Fewer hallucinations in routine operations

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Integration Points

Integration	How It Works
TELOS	Links to Goal G-T4 (Deterministic AI Architecture)
Pattern	Follows code-before-prompts-pattern.md
Skills Index	Listed in _index.md with tools/ marker

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Tool Type Selection

Choose the right tool type for your skill:

Scenario	Tool Type	Example
Complex logic, type safety needed	TypeScript (tools/)	Template rendering, validation
Simple CLI commands, system ops	Bash (Scripts/)	Docker checks, git operations
Data gathering for AI analysis	Bash returning JSON	Health checks, status gathering

Bash scripts are preferred for:

• System operations (docker, git, ssh)
• Simple data gathering
• Operations that need to be schedulable via cron

TypeScript tools are preferred for:

• Complex transformations
• Template rendering with validation
• Operations requiring type safety

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Related

• Capability Layering Pattern - CLI-first automation
• Skill Architecture Pattern - Skill structure requirements
• Command Invocation Pattern - How commands invoke skills
• Code Before Prompts Pattern - Deterministic operations
• Skills Index
• README - Detailed usage instructions

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