Skills

Skills are reusable packages of instructions, rules, examples, and sometimes code that define how an AI assistant should handle a certain task type. A skill works like a domain-specific mini-method that you can load when needed instead of rewriting the same instructions each time. In Claude, Skills are positioned as a way to standardize team workflows.

When external-system integration is needed, this overlaps with MCP and classic APIs. For pure behavior guidance, a strong system prompt is often enough (see prompt engineering). Related terms: Claude and Anthropic.

---

Key characteristics

• Package reusable instructions, examples, and sometimes scripts for specific recurring tasks.
• Help teams standardize how an assistant should solve repeatable domain work.
• Sit closer to workflow design and expert guidance than pure plugin integrations, though they are often combined.