skill-validator

Installation
SKILL.md

Skill Validator

When to use this skill

Use this skill when you need to validate an agent skill folder, checking its structure, content, and adherence to best practices. This includes verifying frontmatter, readability, workflow definitions, validation steps, cross-references, and isolation from other skills.

Validation steps

  1. Read the skill folder structure: Ensure the folder contains a SKILL.md file. Check for optional subdirectories like scripts/, references/, assets/, but note that the skill must work in isolation without relying on other skills.

  2. Validate frontmatter:

    • The SKILL.md file must start with YAML frontmatter containing at least name (short identifier) and description (clear indication of when to use the skill).
    • The description must be clear enough for agents to determine relevance without ambiguity.
    • The description should include either "When to use" or "Use this skill when" to clearly indicate applicability. If this phrasing is missing, it can lead to confusion about when the skill should be applied. To fix this, ensure the description contains a clear statement of the conditions or scenarios in which the skill is relevant, using one of the recommended phrases for clarity.
  3. Check cross-references: Parse the markdown content for links and references. Ensure internal links (e.g., to headings) point to existing sections. For file references, verify they exist within the skill's directory.

  4. Assess readability and conciseness:

Related skills
Installs
1
First Seen
Mar 15, 2026