How does this skill activate automatically?

The skill triggers automatically when Claude detects specific keywords or patterns in your prompt, such as 'example', 'template', or 'minimal-skill'.

Why should I use the Minimal Skill template?

It ensures your custom skills follow established best practices for structure, token efficiency, and reliable auto-activation, preventing common errors in skill creation.

What is a Claude Code Skill?

A Claude Code Skill is a specialized capability that provides domain-specific guidance, patterns, and best practices to enhance Claude's behavior during specific coding tasks.

Is there a limit to how large a skill should be?

Yes, for optimal performance and token efficiency, it is recommended to keep core skill files (SKILL.md) under 500 lines, using supplementary files for advanced topics.

Minimal Skill Template

Name: Minimal Skill Template
Author: jbabin91

byjbabin91

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Developer Tools

Provides a standardized, token-efficient template for creating custom Claude Code skills with pre-configured auto-activation triggers.

About

This skill serves as the foundational reference implementation for developers looking to extend Claude Code with custom capabilities. It demonstrates essential structural requirements including YAML frontmatter configuration, token-optimized instruction design, and keyword-based auto-activation patterns. By following this blueprint, users can build focused, high-performance skills that integrate seamlessly into their development workflows while ensuring their custom instructions remain maintainable and context-aware.

Key Features

Pre-configured auto-activation triggers using keywords and patterns
Built-in best practices for progressive disclosure and maintainability
Standardized YAML frontmatter for skill metadata and versioning
Modular response formatting for consistent code and template delivery
1 GitHub stars
Token-efficient design patterns optimized for under 500 lines

Use Cases

Optimizing existing instructions for better LLM context window management
Standardizing team-wide skill development with consistent formatting
Bootstrapping new custom Claude Code skills from a proven structure

About

Key Features

Pre-configured auto-activation triggers using keywords and patterns
Built-in best practices for progressive disclosure and maintainability
Standardized YAML frontmatter for skill metadata and versioning
Modular response formatting for consistent code and template delivery
1 GitHub stars
Token-efficient design patterns optimized for under 500 lines

Use Cases

Optimizing existing instructions for better LLM context window management
Standardizing team-wide skill development with consistent formatting
Bootstrapping new custom Claude Code skills from a proven structure