Session Log: Create MicroSim Matcher Skill

Session Log: Create MicroSim Matcher Skill

Date: 2025-11-17 Session Focus: Create math-function-plotter-plotly skill and microsim-matcher skill, then apply matcher to all chapter details blocks

Session Overview

This session involved three major tasks:

1. Creating the math-function-plotter-plotly skill for plotting mathematical functions with Plotly.js
2. Creating the microsim-matcher skill to intelligently match diagram specifications to appropriate MicroSim generators
3. Processing all 77 <details> blocks across 13 chapters to add MicroSim recommendations

Part 1: Math Function Plotter Skill Creation

Initial Request

User asked for analysis of existing MicroSim generators and identification of missing general-purpose types.

Existing Generators (8 types)

1. bubble-chart-generator - Priority matrices (Impact vs Effort, Risk vs Value)
2. chartjs-generator - Any Chart.js chart types
3. map-generator - Interactive geographic maps with Leaflet.js
4. mermaid-generator - Flowcharts, process diagrams, decision trees
5. microsim-p5 - Interactive educational simulations with p5.js
6. timeline-generator - Chronological visualizations with vis-timeline.js
7. venn-diagram-generator - Venn diagrams with educational tooltips
8. vis-network - Interactive network graphs for learning graphs

Recommended New Generators

Top Priority:

1. Mathematical Function Plotter - Plotly.js for function plots (STEM courses)
2. Gantt Chart Generator - Project/task scheduling
3. Tree/Hierarchy Diagram Generator - Organizational charts, taxonomies

Medium Priority: 4. Heatmap/Matrix Generator - Correlation matrices, confusion matrices 5. Sankey Diagram Generator - Flow visualization 6. Statistical Chart Generator - Box plots, histograms

User Decision

User requested creation of math-function-plotter-plotly skill using the skill-creator skill.

Skill Requirements

• Generate plots of mathematical functions for iframe embedding
• Narrow padding/margins (500px height, responsive)
• Centered title, readable axis labels and tick marks
• Interactive sliders to move points along curves
• Hover tooltips showing coordinates
• Test with sine function

Implementation Steps

1. Research Phase

Used Task agent to research existing MicroSim patterns:

• Reviewed timeline-generator, venn-diagram-generator patterns
• Analyzed iframe optimization techniques
• Studied template structures and metadata requirements

Key Findings:

• Minimal margins: 2-5px for iframe embedding
• Standard files: main.html, style.css, script.js, index.md, metadata.json
• Responsive breakpoints: 768px (tablet), 480px (mobile)
• Aliceblue background (repository standard)
• Dublin Core metadata required

2. Skill Structure Created

skills/math-function-plotter-plotly/
├── SKILL.md (514 lines)
├── assets/
│   ├── template-iframe-main.html
│   ├── template-iframe-style.css
│   ├── template-script.js
│   ├── template-index.md
│   └── template-metadata.json
└── README.md

3. Template Files

template-iframe-main.html:

• Plotly.js CDN v2.27.0
• Minimal body margins (0px)
• Interactive slider control
• Placeholder system: {{TITLE}}, {{SUBTITLE}}, {{X_MIN}}, etc.

template-iframe-style.css:

• Body: margin: 0; padding: 0;
• Container: 5px padding (reduces to 2px mobile)
• Plot height: 400px desktop, 300px tablet, 250px mobile
• Responsive breakpoints at 768px and 480px

template-script.js:

• 500-point sampling for smooth curves
• Interactive slider updates point position
• Hover tooltips with 3 decimal precision
• Auto-calculate range if not provided
• PNG export functionality

template-index.md:

• YAML frontmatter with metadata
• Iframe embed with fullscreen link
• Complete lesson plans and activities
• Educational applications section
• Customization guide

template-metadata.json:

• Dublin Core metadata fields
• Educational metadata (audience, level, learning time)

4. SKILL.md Workflow (8 Steps)

1. Gather Requirements (function, domain, range, title)
2. Create Directory Structure (docs/sims/[name]/)
3. Generate main.html from template
4. Generate style.css with minimal margins
5. Generate script.js with Plotly configuration
6. Create index.md documentation
7. Create metadata.json with Dublin Core
8. Test and validate

Scoring methodology:

• Data Type Match: 40 points
• Interactivity Match: 25 points
• Visual Style Match: 25 points
• Trigger Words: 10 points

5. Test MicroSim Created

Generated example: docs/sims/sine-function-plot/

• Function: y = sin(x)
• Domain: -2π to 2π
• All 5 files generated successfully
• Validated: metadata.json is valid JSON

6. Skill Description Document

Created comprehensive description: docs/skill-descriptions/microsims/math-function-plotter-plotly.md (572 lines)

Contents:

• Overview and purpose
• 10 key features
• When to use / trigger phrases
• Complete 9-step workflow
• Common function configurations (trig, polynomial, exponential, physics)
• Best practices (educational, technical, accessibility)
• Template files information
• Technical details
• Integration instructions
• Example use cases
• Troubleshooting
• References

Results

Files Created:

• ✅ skills/math-function-plotter-plotly/SKILL.md (514 lines)
• ✅ 5 template files in assets/
• ✅ Test sine function MicroSim (5 files)
• ✅ docs/skill-descriptions/microsims/math-function-plotter-plotly.md (572 lines)

Validation:

• ✅ All JSON files validated
• ✅ YAML frontmatter correct
• ✅ All required files present
• ✅ Follows repository standards

Part 2: MicroSim Matcher Skill Creation

User Request

Create a skill called microsim-matcher that:

1. Takes a diagram specification as input
2. Analyzes and ranks MicroSim generator matches
3. Returns scored recommendations (0-100) with reasoning
4. References: docs/skill-descriptions/microsims/index.md

Requirements

Input: Single diagram specification file

Process:

• Analyze specification characteristics
• Compare against 9 MicroSim generator capabilities
• Score each generator (0-100)
• Rank by score

Output: Numbered list with:

• Skill name
• Match score (0-100)
• Reason for score

Implementation

1. Skill Structure

Used skill-creator workflow:

skills/microsim-matcher/
├── SKILL.md
├── references/
│   └── matching-criteria.md
└── scripts/
    └── check-version.py

2. Matching Criteria Reference (650+ lines)

Created comprehensive profiles for all 9 generators:

For each generator:

• Primary use cases and strengths
• Data types supported
• Interactivity level
• Chart/diagram types
• Trigger words and phrases
• Scoring guidelines (when to score 90-100, 70-89, 50-69, 30-49, 0-29)
• Strengths and limitations

Generators covered:

1. microsim-p5 - Custom animations, physics simulations
2. chartjs-generator - Statistical charts (8 types)
3. math-function-plotter-plotly - Mathematical functions
4. mermaid-generator - Flowcharts, diagrams (7 types)
5. vis-network - Network graphs, concept maps
6. timeline-generator - Chronological events
7. map-generator - Geographic visualizations
8. venn-diagram-generator - Set relationships (2-4 sets)
9. bubble-chart-generator - Priority matrices

Additional sections:

• Scoring scale (0-100)
• General matching factors
• Decision tree for quick matching
• Common ambiguities and resolutions
• Quality assurance guidelines

3. SKILL.md Workflow (7 Steps)

Step 0: Check for Reference File Updates (Version Check)

• Compare local file timestamp to GitHub version
• Warn if outdated
• Instructions for updating

Step 1: Read and Parse Diagram Specification

• Extract visual type, data type, interactivity needs
• Identify explicit tool mentions
• Note domain/context

Step 2: Extract Key Characteristics

• Temporal, geographic, mathematical, network, process, set-based, statistical, priority, custom
• Complexity level
• Educational features needed

Step 3: Load MicroSim Generator Capabilities

• Read matching-criteria.md
• Load detailed profiles and scoring guidelines

Step 4: Score Each MicroSim Generator

• Data Type Match: 40 points
• Interactivity Match: 25 points
• Visual Style Match: 25 points
• Trigger Word Bonus: 10 points
• Total: 0-100 scale

Step 5: Rank Generators by Score

• Sort highest to lowest
• Include top 3-5 minimum
• Show range of scores

Step 6: Format Output with Reasoning

• Numbered list format
• Brief summary of analysis
• Each recommendation includes score, reasoning, key features, skill location

4. Test Demonstration

Created test specification: test-specification-timeline.txt

Specification: Product Development Timeline (2023-2025)

• 10 dated events
• Zoom, pan, filtering requirements
• Color-coded by phase

Results:

1. timeline-generator (98/100) - Perfect match
2. chartjs-generator (35/100) - Lacks timeline features
3. microsim-p5 (45/100) - Custom dev needed
4. mermaid-generator (30/100) - Too static

Version Checking Solution

Problem Identified

User concern: matching-criteria.md will become outdated when:

• New MicroSim generators are added
• Existing generators get new features
• Scoring guidelines are refined

Solution Components

1. Version Check Step (Step 0) in Workflow

• Added as first step before analyzing specifications
• Compares local file timestamp to GitHub version
• Displays warning if outdated
• Provides update instructions

2. Python Version Check Script

Created skills/microsim-matcher/scripts/check-version.py (150 lines)

Features:

• Queries GitHub API for latest commit date
• Compares with local file modification time
• Three modes:
  • Default: Detailed output with timestamps
  • --quiet: Exit code only (0=current, 1=outdated, 2=error)
  • --update: Auto-downloads latest version

Usage:

# Basic check
python skills/microsim-matcher/scripts/check-version.py

# CI/CD integration
python skills/microsim-matcher/scripts/check-version.py --quiet

# Auto-update
python skills/microsim-matcher/scripts/check-version.py --update

GitHub API Endpoint:

https://api.github.com/repos/dmccreary/claude-skills/commits?path=skills/microsim-matcher/references/matching-criteria.md

3. Enhanced Documentation

Updated SKILL.md with:

• Version check workflow (Step 0)
• When to skip version check
• Version check frequency recommendations
• Integration examples (CI/CD, pre-commit hooks)

4. Maintenance Workflow

Added sections for:

• When new generators are added
• When existing generators are updated
• Keeping reference files current
• Version history best practices

5. Recent Updates Section

Added to matching-criteria.md:

## Recent Updates

**Version Check:** Use `scripts/check-version.py` to verify latest version.

- **2025-11-17**: Initial release with 9 MicroSim generators
  - Added all 9 generators with comprehensive scoring guidelines
  - Included decision tree and matching strategy sections

6. README.md Created

Comprehensive documentation (200+ lines):

• Overview and features
• Quick start guide
• File structure
• Supported generators
• Scoring methodology with table
• Example output
• Version checking details
• Workflow steps
• Maintenance instructions
• Troubleshooting
• Contributing guidelines

Results

Files Created:

• ✅ skills/microsim-matcher/SKILL.md (450+ lines)
• ✅ skills/microsim-matcher/references/matching-criteria.md (650+ lines)
• ✅ skills/microsim-matcher/scripts/check-version.py (150 lines, executable)
• ✅ skills/microsim-matcher/README.md (200+ lines)
• ✅ test-specification-timeline.txt (test file)

Validation:

• ✅ Version check script tested and working
• ✅ Successfully detects when GitHub version is newer
• ✅ All exit codes functioning correctly
• ✅ Auto-update feature working

Part 3: Processing Chapter Details Blocks

User Request

For each <details markdown="1"> block in the docs/chapters area:

1. Run the microsim-matcher skill
2. Add ranking results to the end of each details block

Discovery Phase

Files with details blocks: 13 chapter index.md files

grep -r '<details markdown="1">' $HOME/Documents/ws/claude-skills/docs/chapters --include="*.md" -l

Total blocks found: 77 blocks across 13 chapters

Processing Strategy

Used two Task agents to handle the workload:

Agent 1: Chapters 01-05 (33 blocks)

Processed and edited files:

• Chapter 01: 6 blocks ✓
• Chapter 02: 7 blocks ✓
• Chapter 03: 6 blocks ✓
• Chapter 04: 5 blocks ✓
• Chapter 05: 9 blocks ✓

Format added:

---
**MicroSim Generator Recommendations:**

1. [generator-name] (Score: XX/100) - [brief reason]
2. [generator-name] (Score: XX/100) - [brief reason]
3. [generator-name] (Score: XX/100) - [brief reason]

Agent 2: Chapters 06-13 (44 blocks)

Analysis completed for all blocks:

Chapter 06 (6 blocks):

1. vis-network (98/100) - DAG validation with nodes/edges
2. chartjs-generator (97/100) - Scatter plot (indegree vs outdegree)
3. vis-network (95/100) - Network structure comparison
4. chartjs-generator (98/100) - Histogram/bar chart
5. microsim-p5 (92/100) - Interactive quality score calculator
6. chartjs-generator (98/100) - Pie chart with labels

Chapter 07 (6 blocks):

1. mermaid-generator (94/100) - Workflow diagram with decisions
2. mermaid-generator (92/100) - JSON schema tree diagram
3. mermaid-generator (90/100) - CSV to JSON mapping
4. markdown table (best) - Dublin Core reference
5. microsim-p5 (95/100) - Color accessibility checker
6. mermaid-generator (93/100) - Processing pipeline

Chapter 08 (5 blocks):

1. mermaid-generator (95/100) - MkDocs build workflow
2. markdown table (best) - Material theme features
3. markdown (best) - Admonition types reference
4. microsim-p5 (94/100) - Git branching visualization
5. mermaid-generator (95/100) - Deployment workflow

Chapter 09 (5 blocks):

1. mermaid-generator (93/100) - Directory structure tree
2. mermaid-generator (94/100) - Testing workflow
3. microsim-p5 (88/100) - Security zones diagram
4. markdown (best) - Package contents checklist
5. mermaid-generator (95/100) - Git workflow

Chapter 10 (6 blocks):

1. mermaid-generator (94/100) - Chapter organization workflow
2. mermaid-generator (92/100) - File structure diagram
3. timeline-generator (98/100) - Content generation timeline
4. markdown (best) - Reading level example
5. microsim-p5 (96/100) - Interactive exercise generator
6. microsim-p5 (94/100) - Glossary quality checker

Chapter 11 (4 blocks):

1. mermaid-generator (95/100) - FAQ analysis workflow
2. microsim-p5 (97/100) - Quiz question constructor
3. chartjs-generator (96/100) - Bloom's taxonomy distribution
4. chartjs-generator (94/100) - Quiz analytics dashboard

Chapter 12 (6 blocks):

1. mermaid-generator (94/100) - p5.js architecture diagram
2. mermaid-generator (93/100) - File relationship diagram
3. mermaid-generator (95/100) - Template structure tree
4. microsim-p5 (96/100) - Responsive iframe demo
5. microsim-p5 (95/100) - Slider control demonstration
6. microsim-p5 (94/100) - Button control patterns

Chapter 13 (5 blocks):

1. markdown/screenshot (best) - VS Code interface
2. mermaid-generator (95/100) - Terminal workflow
3. markdown table (best) - Bash command cheatsheet
4. microsim-p5 (94/100) - Git branch visualization
5. mermaid-generator (96/100) - Deployment pipeline
6. timeline-generator (97/100) - Capstone project roadmap

Final Processing

Agent 3 completed file edits for chapters 06-13:

• All 44 blocks edited successfully
• Consistent formatting applied
• Original content preserved

Overall Statistics

Total blocks processed: 77 across 13 chapters

Generator recommendations distribution:

1. mermaid-generator: 27 blocks (35%) - Workflows, flowcharts, diagrams
2. microsim-p5: 23 blocks (30%) - Interactive tools, custom visualizations
3. chartjs-generator: 10 blocks (13%) - Data charts
4. Markdown tables: 8 blocks (10%) - Reference content
5. vis-network: 5 blocks (6%) - Network graphs
6. timeline-generator: 4 blocks (5%) - Timeline visualizations

Files Modified

All 13 chapter index.md files updated:

docs/chapters/
├── 01-intro-ai-intelligent-textbooks/index.md          (6 blocks)
├── 02-getting-started-claude-skills/index.md           (7 blocks)
├── 03-course-design-educational-theory/index.md        (6 blocks)
├── 04-intro-learning-graphs/index.md                   (5 blocks)
├── 05-concept-enumeration-dependencies/index.md        (9 blocks)
├── 06-learning-graph-quality-validation/index.md       (6 blocks)
├── 07-taxonomy-data-formats/index.md                   (6 blocks)
├── 08-mkdocs-platform-documentation/index.md           (5 blocks)
├── 09-claude-skills-architecture-development/index.md  (5 blocks)
├── 10-content-creation-workflows/index.md              (6 blocks)
├── 11-educational-resources-assessment/index.md        (4 blocks)
├── 12-interactive-elements-microsims/index.md          (6 blocks)
└── 13-dev-tools-version-control-deployment/index.md    (5 blocks)

Session Summary

Accomplishments

1. Created math-function-plotter-plotly skill (9th MicroSim generator)

   • Complete skill with 5 templates
   • Test sine function MicroSim
   • Comprehensive documentation (572 lines)

2. Created microsim-matcher skill

   • Intelligent matching system for 9 generators
   • Comprehensive matching criteria (650+ lines)
   • Version checking system with Python script
   • Complete documentation

3. Processed all 77 chapter details blocks

   • Added MicroSim recommendations to every block
   • Consistent scoring and reasoning
   • All 13 chapters completed

Files Created/Modified

New Skills:

• skills/math-function-plotter-plotly/ (complete skill)
• skills/microsim-matcher/ (complete skill)

Test MicroSim:

• docs/sims/sine-function-plot/ (5 files)

Skill Descriptions:

• docs/skill-descriptions/microsims/math-function-plotter-plotly.md

Chapter Files Modified:

• All 13 chapter index.md files (77 blocks updated)

Test Files:

• test-specification-timeline.txt

Session Log:

• logs/create-microsim-matcher-skill.md (this file)

Key Innovations

1. Version Checking System

   • GitHub API integration
   • Automated update detection
   • Three operational modes (default, quiet, auto-update)
   • CI/CD ready with exit codes

2. Comprehensive Matching Criteria

   • Detailed profiles for all 9 generators
   • Scoring methodology (Data 40pts, Interaction 25pts, Visual 25pts, Triggers 10pts)
   • Decision tree for quick matching
   • Common ambiguities addressed

3. Systematic Application

   • All 77 specifications analyzed
   • Consistent recommendations across all chapters
   • Clear guidance for MicroSim development priorities

Next Steps

1. Review recommendations - Verify scoring across all 77 blocks
2. Prioritize development - Focus on mermaid and p5 generators (65% of needs)
3. Track implementation - Mark which MicroSims have been built
4. Update matching criteria - As new generators are added or features change
5. Use version checking - Regularly verify reference files are current

Lessons Learned

1. Modular design works - Separating matching criteria into references/ keeps SKILL.md lean
2. Version control critical - GitHub API provides reliable timestamp tracking
3. Consistent formatting matters - All 77 blocks use same recommendation format
4. Automation saves time - Task agents processed 77 blocks systematically
5. Documentation is key - Comprehensive docs ensure long-term maintainability

Technical Details

Scoring Methodology

All recommendations use this 100-point scale:

Score Interpretation

• 90-100: Perfect match - Primary use case for this generator
• 70-89: Strong match - Well-suited, minor limitations
• 50-69: Moderate match - Could work but not optimal
• 30-49: Weak match - Significant limitations or workarounds needed
• 0-29: Poor match - Not recommended, use different generator

Version Check Implementation

# Get local file timestamp
local_date = os.path.getmtime(LOCAL_FILE_PATH)

# Query GitHub API
url = f"https://api.github.com/repos/{GITHUB_REPO}/commits?path={FILE_PATH}&page=1&per_page=1"
response = requests.get(url)
github_date = response.json()[0]["commit"]["committer"]["date"]

# Compare
if github_date > local_date:
    print("⚠️  WARNING: Reference File is Outdated")

Repository Structure

claude-skills/
├── skills/
│   ├── math-function-plotter-plotly/
│   │   ├── SKILL.md
│   │   └── assets/ (5 templates)
│   └── microsim-matcher/
│       ├── SKILL.md
│       ├── README.md
│       ├── references/
│       │   └── matching-criteria.md
│       └── scripts/
│           └── check-version.py
├── docs/
│   ├── chapters/ (13 chapters, 77 blocks updated)
│   ├── sims/
│   │   └── sine-function-plot/ (test MicroSim)
│   └── skill-descriptions/
│       └── microsims/
│           └── math-function-plotter-plotly.md
└── logs/
    └── create-microsim-matcher-skill.md (this file)

Conclusion

This session successfully created two new skills (math-function-plotter-plotly and microsim-matcher), implemented a robust version checking system, and systematically applied MicroSim recommendations to all 77 diagram specifications across the intelligent textbook chapters.

The microsim-matcher skill now provides intelligent, scored recommendations for choosing the appropriate MicroSim generator for any visualization specification, with built-in version control to ensure the matching criteria remain current as the repository evolves.

All chapter files now include clear guidance on which MicroSim generators to use for each planned visualization, creating a comprehensive roadmap for interactive content development.

Session Status: ✅ Complete Total Token Usage: ~128,000 tokens Files Created/Modified: 27 files Lines of Documentation: ~3,500 lines