Getting Started with Claude Skills
Learn how to install and use Claude Skills to enhance your AI-assisted development workflow
What are Claude Skills?
Claude Skills are specialized capabilities that extend Claude's functionality in Claude Code. They provide structured workflows, best practices, and automation for common development tasks.
Skills can help with everything from document creation and web testing to systematic debugging and project collaboration.
Prerequisites
Installation Steps
Choose a Repository
Select a skill repository that fits your needs. Here are the available repositories:
Clone the Repository
Clone the chosen repository to your local skills directory:
# Navigate to your Claude skills directory
cd ~/.claude/skills
# Clone a repository (example: Anthropic Skills)
git clone https://github.com/anthropics/skills anthropic-skillsInstall Dependencies
Some skills require additional dependencies. Check the repository README for specific requirements:
# Example: Installing Python dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Example: Installing Node.js dependencies
npm installUse Skills in Claude Code
Skills are automatically available in Claude Code. You can invoke them in your conversations:
# Example: Using a skill
/skill-name
# Or in natural language
"Use the test-driven-development skill to help me write tests"Configuration
Skills are stored in ~/.claude/skills/ by default. Each repository contains multiple skills organized in folders.
You can customize skill behavior by editing their configuration files or creating your own custom skills based on existing templates.