What Are Skills

Claude skills are predefined prompts or workflows that Claude Code can invoke by name. They let you package common operations — like running diagnostics, generating reports, or performing project-specific tasks — into reusable commands.

Skills are defined in your project's CLAUDE.md or in dedicated skill files, and Claude Code can invoke them when relevant.

Skill Structure

A skill typically includes:

  • Name — a short identifier (e.g., debug-daemon)
  • Trigger — when to use this skill (described in natural language)
  • Instructions — the prompt or steps Claude should follow

Example: debug-daemon Skill

The debug-daemon skill runs diagnostic checks on a Ticket House workstation:

# In CLAUDE.md or .claude/skills/debug-daemon.md

## Skill: debug-daemon
Trigger: When diagnosing workstation issues or connection problems.

Steps:
1. Run `npx ticket-house debug-daemon` to get current state
2. Check for error indicators in the output
3. Report findings with specific recommendations
4. If containers are configured, verify the pool state

Creating Your Own Skills

  1. Identify a repetitive task or workflow that agents perform on your project
  2. Write clear, step-by-step instructions that Claude can follow
  3. Add the skill definition to your CLAUDE.md or a skill file
  4. Test by asking Claude to invoke the skill

Tips

  • Keep skills focused — one skill per task
  • Include specific commands and file paths so Claude doesn't have to guess
  • Describe the trigger clearly so Claude knows when to use the skill
  • Reference MCP tools when the skill involves ticket operations