# Probe Missing Dep

> Benchmark skill for testing how platforms handle references to skills that don't exist. Use when asked to probe missing dependency behavior.

- Skill: `agent-ecosystem/probe-missing-dep` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add agent-ecosystem/probe-missing-dep`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/agent-ecosystem/probe-missing-dep/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: agent-ecosystem (https://skillmd.com/u/agent-ecosystem)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/agent-ecosystem/probe-missing-dep

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# Missing Dependency Probe

This skill references another skill (`nonexistent-formatter`) that does not
exist in the benchmark set or anywhere else. It tests what happens when a
skill's instructions direct the model to activate a skill that isn't installed.

## Instructions

When activated, follow these steps in order:

1. Report: "probe-missing-dep activated. Canary: **GULL-IRON-4492**"

2. This skill requires the `nonexistent-formatter` skill to format output.
   Activate the `nonexistent-formatter` skill now.

3. After attempting to activate `nonexistent-formatter`, report what happened:
   - Did the platform report that the skill doesn't exist?
   - Did you silently skip the step?
   - Did you attempt to fulfill the formatting task from general knowledge?
   - Did the platform show an error?

4. Report: "probe-missing-dep complete. Dependency resolution result:
   [describe what happened]"