What is a skill?#
A skill is a folder or file that explains how to do a particular task: the steps, rules, output format and sometimes a script or ready-made sample. The agent keeps only the title and short description of every skill in mind, and when a task matches one, it opens the full text.
An example#
Suppose your team always wants reports written with a specific structure and tone. Instead of writing all the rules in a prompt each time, you create a "report writing" skill. Whenever you ask the agent for a report, that skill activates itself.
Why it is useful#
- Reusable: write once and use everywhere.
- Low cost: since it is not always in the context window, tokens are not wasted.
- Consistency: results are more uniform across team members.
- Shareable: it can be kept in a repository like code and passed around.
How it differs from a prompt and MCP#
A prompt is a one-off request. A skill is knowledge and method. MCP is a way to connect external tools and data. The three complement each other.
Tips#
Write the skill short and precise, and write its opening description so the agent understands when to use it. Read other people's skills before using them, since they may contain scripts.