---
name: my-first-skill
description: Example skill demonstrating Anthropic SKILL.md format. Load when learning to create skills or testing the OpenSkills loader.
---
# My First Skill
This is an example skill demonstrating the Anthropic SKILL.md format.
## Purpose
This skill shows how to structure procedural guidance for AI coding agents using progressive disclosure.
## When to Use
Load this skill when:
- Learning how skills work
- Testing the OpenSkills loader
- Understanding the SKILL.md format
## Instructions
To create a skill:
1. Create a directory: `mkdir my-skill/`
2. Add SKILL.md with YAML frontmatter:
```yaml
---
name: my-skill
description: When to use this skill
---
```
3. Write instructions in imperative form (not second person)
4. Reference bundled resources as needed
## Bundled Resources
For detailed information about the SKILL.md specification:
See `references/skill-format.md`
## Best Practices
- Write in imperative/infinitive form: "To do X, execute Y"
- NOT second person: avoid "You should..."
- Keep SKILL.md under 5,000 words
- Move detailed content to references/
- Use scripts/ for executable code
- Use assets/ for templates and output files
## Resource Resolution
When this skill is loaded, the base directory is provided:
```
Base directory: /path/to/my-first-skill
```
Relative paths resolve from base directory:
- `references/skill-format.md` → `/path/to/my-first-skill/references/skill-format.md`
- `scripts/helper.sh` → `/path/to/my-first-skill/scripts/helper.sh`