common-workflow-writing

name	common-workflow-writing
description	Rules for writing concise, token-efficient workflow and skill files. Prevents over-building that requires costly optimization passes. Use when creating or editing workflow files, SKILL.md files, or new skill definitions.
metadata	{"triggers":{"files":[".agents/workflows/*.md","SKILL.md"],"keywords":["create workflow","write workflow","new skill","new workflow"]}}

Workflow Writing Standard

Priority: P0 (CRITICAL)

Core Rules

• Templates, not examples: Workflows define structure, not pre-filled data. agent generates data at runtime.
• No example rows in tables: Include headers + 1 skeleton row only. Never populate with fake data.
• No prose explanations: If bullet or command achieves same result, delete paragraph.
• No pre-answered questions: Don't document what agent will output — let it output it.
• Merge sequential steps: If two steps always happen together, they one step.

Size Limits

File type	Limit	If exceeded
Workflow .md	80 lines	Extract detail to references/
SKILL.md	100 lines	Extract examples to references/
Table rows	8	Extract to references/