Quick Start

Fresh

Source: code.claude.com/docs/en/skillsLast Updated: 2026-02-14

Get a Claude Code skill running in under 2 minutes.

Create Your First Skill

Step 1: Create the Skill Directory

Personal skills are available across all your projects:

mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills/explain-code

Step 2: Write SKILL.md

Create ~/.claude/skills/explain-code/SKILL.md:

---
name: explain-code
description: Explains code with visual diagrams and analogies. Use when explaining how code works, teaching about a codebase, or when the user asks "how does this work?"
---

When explaining code, always include:

1. **Start with an analogy**: Compare the code to something from everyday life
2. **Draw a diagram**: Use ASCII art to show the flow, structure, or relationships
3. **Walk through the code**: Explain step-by-step what happens
4. **Highlight a gotcha**: What's a common mistake or misconception?

Keep explanations conversational. For complex concepts, use multiple analogies.

Step 3: Test the Skill

Let Claude invoke it automatically:

How does this code work?

Or invoke directly:

/explain-code src/auth/login.ts

Verification Checklist

• [ ] Skill directory created at correct location
• [ ] SKILL.md file has YAML frontmatter with --- markers
• [ ] name field uses lowercase, numbers, hyphens only
• [ ] description includes keywords that match when you'd use it
• [ ] Skill appears when you ask "What skills are available?"

Next Steps

Want to...	Go to...
Configure skill behavior	SOP 002 - Configure Frontmatter
Add templates and examples	SOP 003 - Supporting Files
Control who can trigger skills	SOP 004 - Control Invocation
Pass data to skills	SOP 005 - Pass Arguments