Self Contained Skills

Skill files must include headings matching Input, Process, Output, and Constraints. A self-contained skill gives the agent everything it needs to execute the task without hunting through other files.

Antipatterns

• Including workflow steps in prose without using a "Process" or "Input" heading. The check requires headings that match the expected terms, not just content that covers those concerns.
• Using non-standard heading names like "Prerequisites" instead of "Input", or "Steps" instead of "Process". The check matches specific terms.
• Splitting skill sections across multiple files. The check expects all required sections within the single skill entry point file.

Pass / Fail

Pass

# Deploy Skill

## Input
- Branch name, target environment

## Process
1. Run `uv run poe qa`. 2. Push to remote.

## Output
- Deployment URL printed to stdout

## Constraints
NEVER deploy without passing QA.

Fail

# Deploy Skill

Push the branch and deploy it.
Check the deployment URL afterward.

Limitations

Checks for headings containing "Input", "Process", "Output", or "Constraints". Does not verify each section is complete or that the skill is genuinely self-contained.