Claude Tools

Purpose

This skill gives you structured knowledge about the different Claude tool types: their definitions, when to use them, and how they differ.

When to Use This Skill

Invoke this skill when:

• User asks "Should I create a Claude tool for...?" or "Which Claude tool should I create...?"
• User asks "Is a Skill/Command/MCP/Subagent right for...?"
• User needs help deciding between different Claude tool types for their use case
• User mentions Claude tools and needs structured guidance on which to use

Tools Overview

Each tool type serves a distinct role with its own strengths and trade-offs.

Prompt

Definition: The simplest way to instruct Claude. They are the instructions provided to Claude in natural language during a conversation (moment-to-moment). They are ephemeral, conversational, and reactive. They provide context and direction in the moment. They are the only Claude tool that is not stored or persisted across conversations. For a quick, specific request that is unlikely to repeat.

Example: “Analyse these server logs and summarise the errors.”