Task	Read
Set skill class and required dimensions	`references/mode-selection.md`
Apply writing constraints for depth vs concision	`references/design-principles.md`
Select structure pattern for this skill	`references/skill-patterns.md`
Select workflow orchestration pattern for process-heavy skills	`references/workflow-patterns.md`
Select output format pattern for deterministic quality	`references/output-patterns.md`
Choose workflow path and required outputs	`references/mode-selection.md`
Load representative synthesis examples by skill type	`references/examples/*.md`
Synthesize external/local sources with depth gates	`references/synthesis-path.md`
Author or update SKILL.md and supporting files	`references/authoring-path.md`
Optimize skill description and trigger precision	`references/description-optimization.md`
Iterate using positive/negative/fix examples	`references/iteration-path.md`
Evaluate behavior and compare baseline vs with-skill (opt-in quantitative)	`references/evaluation-path.md`
Register and validate skill changes	`references/registration-validation.md`

Step 1: Resolve target and path

Resolve target skill path and intended operation (create, update, synthesize, iterate).
Read references/mode-selection.md and select the required path(s).
Classify the skill (workflow-process, integration-documentation, security-review, skill-authoring, generic).
Ask one direct question if class or depth requirements are ambiguous; otherwise state explicit assumptions.

Step 2: Run synthesis when needed

Read references/synthesis-path.md.

Collect and score relevant sources with provenance.
Apply trust and safety rules when ingesting external content.
Produce source-backed decisions and coverage/gap status.
Load one or more profiles from references/examples/*.md when the skill is hybrid.
Record the primary source pack needed for the actual skill; do not imply a fixed external pack exists.
Enforce depth gates before moving to authoring.

Step 3: Run iteration first when improving from outcomes/examples

Read references/iteration-path.md first when selected path includes iteration (for example operation iterate).

Capture and anonymize examples with provenance.
Re-evaluate skill behavior against working and holdout slices.
Propose improvements from positive/negative/fix evidence.
Carry concrete behavior deltas into authoring.

Skip this step when selected path does not include iteration.

Step 4: Author or update skill artifacts

Read references/authoring-path.md.

Write or update SKILL.md in imperative voice with trigger-rich description.
Create focused reference files and scripts only when justified.
Follow references/skill-patterns.md, references/workflow-patterns.md, and references/output-patterns.md for structure and output determinism.
For authoring/generator skills, include transformed examples in references:
- happy-path
- secure/robust variant
- anti-pattern + corrected version

Step 5: Optimize description quality

Read references/description-optimization.md.

Validate should-trigger and should-not-trigger query sets.
Reduce false positives and false negatives with targeted description edits.
Keep trigger language generic across Codex and Claude.

Step 6: Evaluate outcomes

Read references/evaluation-path.md.

Run a lightweight qualitative check by default (recommended).
For integration/documentation and skill-authoring skills, include the concise depth rubric from references/evaluation-path.md.
Run deeper eval playbook and quantitative baseline-vs-with-skill only when requested or risk warrants it.
Record outcomes and unresolved risks.

Step 7: Register and validate

Read references/registration-validation.md.

Apply repository registration steps.
Run quick validation with strict depth gates.
Reject shallow outputs that fail depth gates or required artifact checks.

Output format

Return:

Summary
Changes Made
Validation Results
Open Gaps

When to Use

Use to create a reusable skill, update an existing skill, synthesize source material into one, or iterate from observed outcomes. Do not use to install an existing skill or replace a one-off task with unnecessary authoring.

Limitations

Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.

skill-writer

Skill Writer