Split Into References

split-into-references

Use when

Use when skill-check reports body.max_lines and you need to modularize a long SKILL.md into maintainable references/*.md docs after running split-body.

Workflow

1. Run preview first:
   • npx skill-check split-body <skill-dir-or-file>
2. Apply deterministic split:
   • npx skill-check split-body <skill-dir-or-file> --write
3. Edit generated references docs to improve readability:
   • tighten headings so each file has one clear purpose
   • add a 1-3 line summary at the top of each references file
   • remove duplicated steps across references files
4. Keep SKILL.md concise:
   • preserve "Use when", constraints, and expected outcomes
   • keep ## References links current and descriptive
5. Validate:
   • npx skill-check check <skill-dir-or-file> --no-security-scan

Quality checklist

• The main SKILL.md stays short and scannable.
• Each references file is focused and linkable.
• Links under ## References resolve and match file names.
• No critical instruction is lost during extraction.

Before/After pattern

Before:

• one very long SKILL.md containing all operational details.

After:

• concise SKILL.md with intent + constraints + ## References
• multiple references/*.md files for detailed procedures.