Summary
Highlights
Introduction to Skills00:00:18
Skills are markdown files that teach Claude how to perform a task once, and Claude automatically applies this knowledge when relevant. This eliminates the need to repeatedly explain coding standards or feedback structures.
How Skills Work00:00:32
Agent skills are folders containing instructions, scripts, and resources. Claude uses the description within a skill.md file to determine if and when it should apply that skill based on your request.
Where to Store Skills00:01:05
Skills can be stored in two main places: personal skills in the home directory (.claude/skills) for individual preferences, and project skills in the repository's root directory (.claude/skills) for team standards that are shared automatically with anyone who clones the repository.
Skills vs. Other Customization Options00:01:43
Skills are unique because they are automatic and task-specific. Unlike .claude.md files which load into every conversation, skills load on demand when they match a request, saving context window space. They also differ from slash commands, as Claude recognizes situations to apply skills automatically, without explicit user input.
When to Use Skills00:02:27
Skills are best suited for specialized knowledge applicable to specific tasks, such as code review standards, preferred commit message formats, or organizational brand guidelines. If a process is being repeatedly explained to Claude, it's an ideal candidate for a skill.