Skill Activation Guide Template

This guide provides a structured approach for loading and applying a skill's instructions to accomplish tasks.

Overview

Activating a skill means loading its content, understanding its purpose, and applying its instructions to the current task. This guide walks through the complete activation process.

Skill Information to Gather

Before activating a skill, collect:

• Name: The skill's identifier
• Description: What the skill does
• Path: Location of the skill directory
• SKILL.md Path: Location of the main skill file
• Table of Contents: Structure of the skill document
• References: Available reference documentation
• Scripts: Available executable scripts

Activation Instructions

Step 1: Load the Skill Content

Read the full SKILL.md file to understand:

• Instructions for when and how to apply this skill
• Code examples and patterns to follow
• References to additional documentation
• Prerequisites and dependencies

Action: Read the SKILL.md file completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Understand the Skill's Purpose

After reading the SKILL.md, identify:

| Aspect | Questions to Answer | |--------|---------------------| | Primary Use Cases | What problems does this skill solve? | | Prerequisites | What must be in place before using it? | | Dependencies | What tools or systems are required? | | Expected Inputs | What information does the skill need? | | Expected Outputs | What will the skill produce? |

Step 3: Load References as Needed

If the skill includes reference documentation in the references/ directory:

1. Identify Available References

   • List all files in the references/ directory
   • Note the topic each reference covers

2. Load References On-Demand

   • Load a reference when you need detailed information about its topic
   • Don't load all references upfront unless necessary

3. Reference Loading Pattern

   When you need info about [topic]:
     Load: [skill-path]/references/[topic-file].md
   

Step 4: Script Execution

If the skill includes executable scripts in the scripts/ directory:

Before Executing Any Script

1. Verify Appropriateness

   • Is this script suitable for the current task?
   • Does the task require script execution?

2. Understand the Script

   • Read the script contents first
   • Understand what it will do
   • Identify any side effects

3. Prepare Arguments

   • Review the script's expected arguments
   • Gather required input values
   • Validate inputs before execution

During Execution

1. Execute with Proper Arguments

   • Pass arguments as documented
   • Use appropriate quoting for values

2. Monitor Output

   • Watch for error messages
   • Capture output for later use if needed

3. Handle Errors Gracefully

   • Don't proceed if a script fails
   • Report errors with context
   • Attempt recovery if appropriate

Script Execution Checklist

• [ ] Script contents reviewed
• [ ] Purpose understood
• [ ] Arguments prepared
• [ ] Execution environment appropriate
• [ ] Error handling planned

Step 5: Apply the Skill

Follow the skill's instructions for your current task:

1. Follow the Documented Process

   • Work through the skill's steps in order
   • Don't skip steps unless explicitly allowed

2. Use Provided Patterns

   • Apply code examples as templates
   • Follow naming conventions shown
   • Maintain consistency with examples

3. Reference Documentation When Needed

   • Consult references for detailed guidance
   • Don't guess when documentation exists

4. Execute Scripts Appropriately

   • Run scripts when the task calls for them
   • Use scripts as intended by the skill

Important Notes

Security Considerations

• Always verify script contents before execution
• Follow any security guidelines mentioned in the skill
• Report any suspicious or unexpected behavior
• Don't execute scripts that access sensitive data unnecessarily

Best Practices

• Read the entire SKILL.md before starting
• Understand the "why" not just the "how"
• Ask for clarification if instructions are unclear
• Document any deviations from standard process

When Skills Don't Apply

A skill may not be appropriate when:

• The task falls outside the skill's stated purpose
• Prerequisites cannot be met
• Dependencies are unavailable
• The skill's approach conflicts with requirements

Activation Workflow Summary

1. LOAD
   └── Read SKILL.md completely

2. UNDERSTAND
   ├── Identify use cases
   ├── Note prerequisites
   └── Map expected inputs/outputs

3. PREPARE
   ├── Load needed references
   └── Verify script availability

4. EXECUTE
   ├── Follow skill instructions
   ├── Run scripts as needed
   └── Handle errors appropriately

5. VERIFY
   └── Confirm task completion

Troubleshooting

Skill Not Found

• Verify the skill name is correct
• Check if the skill is installed in a recognized location
• Ensure SKILL.md exists in the skill directory

Script Execution Fails

• Check script has execute permissions
• Verify required tools are installed
• Review script arguments for errors

References Not Loading

• Verify reference file exists
• Check file path is correct
• Ensure file is readable

Instructions Unclear

• Re-read the relevant section
• Check for related references
• Look for examples that clarify usage