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README.md

skill-scaffold

Creates a new GitHub Copilot skill folder with all required artifacts in the correct structure. Standardizes naming, frontmatter, documentation, and root index updates so every skill in the catalog is consistent.


What it does

The skill packages the repetitive setup work involved in adding a new skill. Instead of manually creating files and trying to match the existing conventions, this skill produces a complete, valid, documented skill entry from a workflow idea.

Full sequence:

  1. Identify the workflow the user wants to package as a skill.
  2. Choose a concise kebab-case folder name and stable skill identity.
  3. Create the top-level skill folder.
  4. Generate SKILL.md with valid YAML frontmatter, a clear description with strong trigger phrases, the workflow steps, output expectations, and edge cases.
  5. Generate README.md with a human-readable usage guide, trigger phrases, supported platforms, inputs, outputs, and limitations.
  6. Update the root README.md to add the new skill to the catalog index with links to the folder, SKILL.md, README.md, and prompt file.

Trigger phrases

Invoke this skill by asking Copilot to:

  • add a new skill
  • scaffold a Copilot skill
  • create a skill folder
  • bootstrap a skill
  • document a skill folder
  • expand the skill catalog

An optional argument can specify the skill name and purpose upfront.


Supported platforms

Platform Support
VS Code Full support via GitHub Copilot Chat
GitHub Copilot Full support via prompt file invocation
Azure DevOps / Azure Repos Full support. Produced skills work across all three platforms.

Inputs

  • Workflow idea or skill name
  • Optional: trigger phrases, known limitations, preferred category or tier

Outputs

  • <skill-name>/ top-level folder
  • <skill-name>/SKILL.md with valid YAML frontmatter and full workflow instructions
  • <skill-name>/README.md with human-readable documentation
  • Updated root README.md with a catalog entry and links

What the generated SKILL.md must include

Field Requirement
name Matches the folder name exactly
version Semantic version starting at 1.0.0
description Contains the trigger phrases users are likely to type
argument-hint Optional. Describes what the user can pass as an argument.
Body Purpose, when to use, workflow steps, output expectations, edge cases

Edge cases

Situation Behavior
Unclear workflow scope Asks whether the workflow should be a skill or general repo instructions before proceeding
Overlapping existing skill Recommends narrowing the new skill or updating the existing one rather than creating a duplicate
Weak description field Improves trigger phrases before treating the skill as complete
Missing root README update Flags this as a blocking issue — no skill is complete without a catalog entry

Limitations

  • Does not implement the skill logic. It creates the scaffold and structure. The workflow content in SKILL.md must be written by the user or another prompt.
  • Does not move or restructure existing skill folders.
  • Does not create skills that are vague or overlap significantly with existing ones without explicit user confirmation.
  • The scaffold does not automatically satisfy spec requirements. For spec-driven skills, use the /specify-skill workflow instead and run /skill-audit to validate.

Files

  • SKILL.md — machine-readable skill definition and workflow instructions
  • README.md — this document

Back to skill catalog