template-example

name	template-example
description	Hello World example skill that demonstrates the layout of a SKILL.md alongside assets/, references/, and scripts/. DO NOT activate this skill to do real work. Humans copy it as a starting point for new skills; agents should only read it when explicitly asked to explain the skill layout.

template-example (Hello World)

This skill exists to illustrate the shape of a skill. It is not meant to be activated to accomplish a task. If a user asks an agent to "say hello" or similar, prefer a direct response over invoking this skill.

For the full specification, see https://agentskills.io/specification.md.

Layout

template-example/
  SKILL.md                    # This file (frontmatter + instructions)
  assets/greeting.txt         # Static template the agent reads or copies
  references/REFERENCE.md     # Background docs the agent loads on demand
  scripts/hello.sh            # Executable code the agent can run

Pick a subdirectory by what the file is, not what it's about:

• assets/ - static resources (templates, schemas, images)
• references/ - markdown the agent reads when SKILL.md tells it to
• scripts/ - executable code the agent runs

How an agent would use these (illustrative)

If this skill were activated to greet Ada, an agent should:

1. Read assets/greeting.txt to get the template (Hello, {{name}}!).
2. Substitute {{name}} with Ada.
3. Optionally run the read-only helper: scripts/hello.sh Ada.
4. Read references/REFERENCE.md only if the user asks for background.

Note the pattern: tell the agent when to load each resource, not just that it exists. "Read X if Y" beats "see references/ for details."

Use this as a template for a new skill

1. Copy the directory:

   cp -r .agents/skills/template-example .agents/skills/<your-skill-name>
   

2. Rename in SKILL.md frontmatter: name must match the new directory name (lowercase, hyphens, 1-64 chars).
3. Rewrite description to say what the skill does AND when to activate it. Include trigger phrases. Add negative activation if a similar skill could fire on lookalike requests.
4. Replace the body with your skill's actual procedure.
5. Replace or delete assets/, references/, scripts/ to match your skill's needs. Empty subdirectories can be removed.
6. Delete this skill once you no longer need the example.

Boundaries

• Will: serve as a reference layout for humans authoring new skills.
• Will NOT: do useful work. Agents should not activate this skill to fulfill user requests.