Create a new mode-specific project skill to standardize a workflow in one mode.
Confirm scope and name
Target path is ./.roo/skills-<mode>/<skill-name>/SKILL.md and the name is spec-compliant
Create folder and SKILL.md with required frontmatter and clear sections
Skill is discoverable and has actionable instructions
Validate name/description constraints and directory-name match
Spec-compliant frontmatter
Create a project skill that includes an entrypoint SKILL.md plus reference material and a validation script.
The goal is progressive disclosure: only read references when needed, and execute scripts for deterministic checks.
Choose structure based on fragility and size
Use SKILL.md as the entrypoint, references/ for long-lived guidance, and scripts/ for validation/automation.
Draft SKILL.md as navigation (not a dumping ground)
SKILL.md contains:
- Frontmatter (name/description)
- When to use / When NOT to use
- A numbered workflow with explicit "read this file when..." pointers
- A "Files" section that links one level deep:
- references/SCHEMA.md (read when needing field definitions)
- references/TROUBLESHOOTING.md (read when validation fails)
- scripts/validate_input.(sh|js|py) (execute to validate intermediate outputs)
Create references with table-of-contents style headings
Each references/*.md file starts with a short contents list so the agent can jump to relevant sections.
Make script intent explicit
SKILL.md clearly states whether the script should be executed (preferred) or read as reference.
The script produces verifiable output (e.g., JSON report or "OK"/error list) to support feedback loops.
Edit an existing global skill used across multiple projects.
Locate the global skill path and read SKILL.md
Exact file to change is known
Apply the minimal edit and re-check frontmatter constraints
Global skill updated safely and remains spec-compliant