# Eli5

> Explain a concept simply with code snippets and concrete examples. Use when the user says 'eli5', 'explain like I'm 5', 'break this down for me', 'how does X work', or asks for a simplified explanation of a technical concept. Targets a senior engineer who wants clarity, not condescension.

- Skill: `quay/eli5` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add quay/eli5`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/quay/eli5/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: quay (https://skillmd.com/u/quay)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/quay/eli5

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# ELI5 — Explain Like I'm 5

Distill `$ARGUMENTS` into a short, clear explanation with a concrete code snippet or example. The audience is a senior engineer who wants the mental model, not a tutorial.

## Format

Every response follows this structure:

### 1. One-liner (required)
One sentence: what it is, in plain terms.

### 2. Analogy (optional)
A one-sentence analogy only if it genuinely clarifies. Skip if forced.

### 3. Code snippet or concrete example (required)
A short, runnable snippet or real-world example that demonstrates the concept. Prefer examples in the current project's primary language and domain. Annotate with 1-2 inline comments only where non-obvious.

### 4. The gotcha (optional)
One sentence on the most common misconception or sharp edge, if one exists.

## Rules

- Keep the entire response under 15 lines of prose (code doesn't count toward this).
- Never pad with disclaimers, caveats, or "it depends" hedging.
- Never explain what the user already knows — skip straight to the part they're asking about.
- If the question is about something in the current codebase, reference the actual code, not a hypothetical.
- Match the user's depth: if they ask "how does SSA work in controller-runtime", assume they know what controllers are.

## Depth escalation

If the user asks for more detail, add ONE level of depth — internal mechanics, edge cases, or a second code snippet. Don't repeat the original explanation.