Skill Authoring Guide

Constraints

• name: 1-64 chars, lowercase + hyphens, match directory
• description: inline double-quoted, ≤60 words, ≤1024 chars
• Use WHEN: with quoted trigger phrases (preferred over USE FOR:)
• SKILL.md: <500 tokens (soft), <5000 (hard)
• references/*.md: <1000 tokens each

Structure

• SKILL.md (required) — Frontmatter + instructions
• references/ (optional) — Detailed docs, loaded on demand
• scripts/ (optional) — Executable code

Progressive Disclosure

Metadata loads at startup. SKILL.md on activation. References load when linked via [text](references/file.md).

MCP Tools

CLI fallback: Primary mode is CLI-based. No MCP servers required.

Quick Start

1. Create skill directory with SKILL.md
2. Add frontmatter: name, description, license
3. Run waza check {skill-name} to validate

Examples

• "Create a new skill for code review"
• "Review my skill for compliance"

Troubleshooting

If waza check reports broken links, verify reference file paths match exactly.

References

• Guidelines — Writing and structure
• Validation — Checks and procedures
• Reference Guide — Budgets, loading, checklist