Skill
Also: skills, Agent Skills
A reusable pack of instructions, files, or code for an AI task. It can guide work but does not guarantee a good result.
The fuller definition
A skill is a reusable package of instructions and sometimes examples, reference files, or scripts that guides a class of tasks. Formats and loading rules vary by product.
- Trigger
Relevant task
- Package
Instructions and resources
- Use
Apply within the current environment
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
An undertaking-extraction skill defines categories, output columns, and checks for qualifications.
The distinction that matters
A skill supplies a method; it does not inherently provide a running worker, a schedule, or new permissions.
Related terms
AI agent
An AI system that takes steps to do a task. It may choose tools, search, or work with files. Its access should have clear limits.
Prompting & contextPrompt
What you give a model to guide its reply. This may include a question, rules, and source text.
Agents & automationWorkflow
A fixed sequence of steps a task goes through, which may include AI steps and human checks.
Where it is taught
Prompts, skills, workflows, and agentsSource and further reading
Anthropic · Building effective agentsThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.