# Compare Options

> Systematically evaluates alternatives against weighted criteria, builds a comparison matrix, and recommends the best option with documented rationale and trade-offs.

- Skill: `auto-skiller/compare-options` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add auto-skiller/compare-options`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/auto-skiller/compare-options/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Productivity, Coding & Dev Tools
- Tags: Comparison Matrix, Decision Making, Trade Off Analysis, Weighted Scoring
- Author: Auto-Skiller (https://skillmd.com/u/auto-skiller)
- Updated: 2026-08-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/auto-skiller/compare-options

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# Compare Options

This skill allows the agent to systematically measure, compare, and optimize choices to ensure the objectively best available path is selected with documented rationale.

## Steps

1. **Enumerate all options.** List every available option clearly. Do not pre-filter based on assumption.
2. **Define evaluation criteria.** Identify the dimensions that matter (e.g., cost, speed, risk, compatibility, reversibility). Weight each criterion if applicable.
3. **Score each option per criterion.** Use a consistent scale (e.g., 1–5) and apply it neutrally across all options.
4. **Build the comparison matrix.** Organize scores into a table for clear visual comparison.
5. **Identify the winner.** Select the option with the highest weighted score, noting any exceptions (e.g., a hard constraint that disqualifies a leading option).
6. **Document trade-offs.** Explicitly state what is sacrificed with the winning choice.
7. **Output the recommendation** with the matrix, winner, rationale, and trade-offs.

## Output Format

```yaml
benchmark_result:
  criteria: ["criterion_1", "criterion_2"]
  matrix:
    option_a: {criterion_1: 4, criterion_2: 3}
    option_b: {criterion_1: 2, criterion_2: 5}
  winner: "option_b"
  rationale: "<why this wins>"
  trade_offs:
    - "<what is sacrificed by choosing option_b>"
```

## Notes
- Always make criteria explicit before scoring — implicit criteria lead to biased outcomes.
- If options have hard disqualifying constraints, flag them before scoring.