tomevault-io Skill Creator
This skill helps you create new skills for ChatDock.
What are Skills?
Skills are markdown-based instructions that extend the agent's capabilities. Unlike tools (which are code), skills are natural language instructions that guide the agent on how to accomplish specific tasks.
Skill Format
Each skill lives in its own directory under ~/.chatdock/skills/ (user skills) or src/server/skills/ (built-in skills).
Required file: SKILL.md
---
name: my-skill
description: Short description of what this skill does
emoji: 🎯
requires:
bins: ["required-cli-tool"] # Optional: CLI tools needed
os: ["darwin", "linux"] # Optional: Supported OS
---
# Skill Name
Instructions for the agent on how to use this skill.
## When to use
Describe trigger phrases and scenarios.
## How to use
Provide step-by-step instructions, commands, and examples.
Creating a New Skill
Step 1: Choose a name
Skill names should be:
- Lowercase with hyphens
- Descriptive but concise
- Unique (not conflicting with existing skills)
Step 2: Create the directory
# User skill (persists across updates)
mkdir -p ~/.chatdock/skills/my-skill
# Or built-in skill (requires code access)
mkdir -p src/server/skills/my-skill
Step 3: Create SKILL.md
cat > ~/.chatdock/skills/my-skill/SKILL.md << 'EOF'
---
name: my-skill
description: What this skill does
emoji: 🎯
---
# My Skill
Instructions here...
EOF
Step 4: Test the skill
Restart ChatDock or ask the agent to reload skills. Then try using the skill with a trigger phrase.
Core Principles
1. Be Concise
Skills should be minimal but complete. Avoid unnecessary verbosity.
2. Provide Examples
Always include concrete examples with actual commands.
3. Define Triggers
Clearly state when the agent should use this skill.
4. Handle Errors
Include guidance for common error scenarios.
Example: Creating a Docker Skill
mkdir -p ~/.chatdock/skills/docker
cat > ~/.chatdock/skills/docker/SKILL.md << 'EOF'
---
name: docker
description: Manage Docker containers and images
emoji: 🐳
requires:
bins: ["docker"]
---
# Docker Skill
Use this skill for Docker container and image management.
## When to use
- "list my containers"
- "start/stop container X"
- "build docker image"
- "show docker logs"
## Common Commands
```bash
# List running containers
docker ps
# List all containers
docker ps -a
# Start a container
docker start <container-id>
# Stop a container
docker stop <container-id>
# View logs
docker logs -f <container-id>
# Build an image
docker build -t <name>:<tag> .
# Run a container
docker run -d --name <name> -p 8080:80 <image>
Cleanup
# Remove stopped containers
docker container prune
# Remove unused images
docker image prune
# Remove everything unused
docker system prune -a
EOF
## Skill Discovery
ChatDock looks for skills in:
1. `~/.chatdock/skills/` (user skills, higher priority)
2. `src/server/skills/` (built-in skills)
Skills are loaded at startup. To reload skills, restart the server.
## Tips
- Put more specific skills before general ones
- Use YAML frontmatter for metadata
- Include both quick-start and detailed usage
- Reference other skills if they complement each other
---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/abhaymundhara) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->