skill-authoring

# Skill Authoring Guide ## When NOT To Use - Scoring a skill that already exists (use `abstract:skills-eval`) - Authoring a hook (use `abstract:hook-authoring`) - Verifying the skill fires (use `abstract:subagent-testing`) ## Overview Writing effective Claude Code skills requires Test-Driven Development (TDD) and persuasion principles from compliance research. We treat skill writing as process documentation that needs empirical validation rather than just theoretical instruction. Skills are behavioral interventions designed to change model behavior in measurable ways. By using TDD, we ensure skills address actual failure modes identified through testing. Optimized descriptions improve discovery, while a modular structure supports progressive disclosure to manage token usage. It states intent, constraints and exit criteria, and leaves the path between them to the session doing the work. `modules/persuasion-principles.md` carries the strength budget that decides which of the three each statement is. ### The Iron Law **NO SKILL WITHOUT A FAILING TEST FIRST** Every skill must begin with documented evidence of Claude failing without it. This validates that you are solving a real problem. No implementation should proceed without a failing test, and no completion claim should be accepted without evidence. Detailed enforcement patterns for adversarial verification and coverage gates are available in `imbue:proof-of-work`. ## Skill Types We categorize skills into three types...