4.3 KiB
Minimal Skill Reference Example
Minimal pattern for agents with 1-2 skill references.
Single Skill Reference
Example 1: Direct Reference
## Relevant Skills
Reference the **testing-guide** skill for TDD patterns and coverage strategies.
Token Count: ~20 tokens
When to Use: Agent primarily needs one skill
Example 2: Conditional Reference
## Relevant Skills
When planning database changes, consult the **database-design** skill for normalization and indexing patterns.
Token Count: ~25 tokens
When to Use: Skill applies only in specific conditions
Two Skill References
Example 3: Minimal List
## Relevant Skills
- **python-standards**: Follow for code style and type hints
- **testing-guide**: Reference for TDD implementation
Token Count: ~30 tokens
When to Use: Agent needs exactly two skills, minimal approach preferred
Example 4: Descriptive
## Relevant Skills
Consult these skills during implementation:
- **python-standards**: Code style and conventions
- **observability**: Logging patterns
Token Count: ~35 tokens
When to Use: Two skills with brief context
No Closing Sentence Pattern
For minimal sections (1-2 skills), the closing sentence referencing skill-integration-templates can be omitted:
Example 5: Ultra-Minimal
## Relevant Skills
Reference the **testing-guide** skill for TDD patterns.
Token Count: ~15 tokens
When to Use: Extreme token budget constraints
When to Use Minimal Pattern
Use minimal skill references when:
- Agent has 1-2 primary skills - Not all agents need many skills
- Token budget is tight - Every token counts for concise agents
- Skills are obvious - Agent's role clearly maps to specific skills
- Simplicity is preferred - Avoid unnecessary structure
When to Use Standard Pattern
Use standard pattern (see skill-section-template.md) when:
- Agent has 3+ skills - Structure improves readability
- Token budget allows - ~90-100 tokens is acceptable
- Context is needed - Intro/closing sentences add clarity
- Consistency matters - Most agents use standard pattern
Real-World Example
quality-validator.md (Minimal Pattern)
## Relevant Skills
You have access to these specialized skills when validating features:
- **testing-guide**: Validate test coverage and quality
- **code-review**: Assess code quality metrics
See skill-integration-templates skill for formatting.
Token Count: ~50 tokens
Why Minimal:
- Only 2 core skills needed
- Agent has focused mission
- Token efficiency matters
Comparison: Minimal vs. Standard
Minimal (1-2 Skills)
## Relevant Skills
Reference the **testing-guide** skill for TDD patterns.
Tokens: ~15-30
Pros: Extremely concise, no unnecessary structure Cons: No meta-skill reference, less guidance
Standard (3-5 Skills)
## Relevant Skills
You have access to these specialized skills during implementation:
- **python-standards**: Follow for code style
- **testing-guide**: Reference for TDD
- **observability**: Use for logging
Consult the skill-integration-templates skill for formatting guidance.
Tokens: ~70-90
Pros: Clear structure, meta-skill reference, consistent format Cons: Higher token count
Guidelines
Omit Closing Sentence If:
- Only 1-2 skills referenced
- Agent has severe token constraints
- Simplicity is paramount
Include Closing Sentence If:
- 3+ skills referenced
- Following standard pattern
- Consistency with other agents matters
Examples by Agent Type
Research Agent (Single Skill)
## Relevant Skills
Consult the **research-patterns** skill for search strategies and information gathering techniques.
Utility Agent (Two Skills)
## Relevant Skills
- **file-organization**: Follow for project structure standards
- **semantic-validation**: Use for alignment checking
Minimal Workflow Agent (Conditional)
## Relevant Skills
When validating PROJECT.md alignment, reference the **semantic-validation** skill.
Related Examples
planner-skill-section.md- Standard multi-skill exampleimplementer-skill-section.md- Standard implementation example