01-getting-started.md

Tutorial 1: Getting Started with SkillForge

Learn how to create, validate, and deploy your first skill in under 5 minutes.

Prerequisites

pip install ai-skillforge[ai]
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your-key  # Optional, for AI generation

Option 1: Generate with AI (Fastest)

# Generate a skill from a description
skillforge generate "Help users write clear documentation for Python functions"

# Output:
# ✓ Generated skill: skills/python-documentation-writer

That's it! The AI creates a complete skill with instructions, examples, and proper formatting.

Option 2: Use a Template

# List available templates
skillforge templates

# Create from template
skillforge new my-code-reviewer --template code-review

# Preview the template first
skillforge templates show code-review

Option 3: Create Manually

# Create a skill scaffold
skillforge new my-first-skill -d "Help with task X"

# This creates:
# skills/my-first-skill/
# └── SKILL.md

Edit skills/my-first-skill/SKILL.md:

---
name: my-first-skill
description: Use when the user asks for help with task X.
---

# My First Skill

You help users with task X.

## Instructions

1. First, understand what the user needs
2. Then, provide clear guidance
3. Include examples when helpful

## Examples

### Example 1

**User**: How do I do X?

**Response**: Here's how to do X...

Validate Your Skill

skillforge validate ./skills/my-first-skill

# Output:
# ✓ SKILL.md exists
# ✓ Name format is valid
# ✓ Description is present
# ✓ All checks passed!

Preview How Claude Sees It

skillforge preview ./skills/my-first-skill

Deploy Your Skill

To Claude Code (Recommended)

# Install to user directory (available everywhere)
skillforge install ./skills/my-first-skill

# Or install to current project only
skillforge install ./skills/my-first-skill --project

Your skill is now active in Claude Code!

To claude.ai

# Create a zip bundle
skillforge bundle ./skills/my-first-skill

# Output: skills/my-first-skill.zip

Upload the zip at claude.ai → Settings → Features → Custom Skills.

Next Steps

• Tutorial 2: Testing Skills - Add tests to catch issues
• Tutorial 3: Security & Governance - Secure your skills
• Tutorial 4: Multi-Platform Publishing - Deploy everywhere

Quick Reference

Command	Description
skillforge generate "..."	AI-generate a skill
skillforge new NAME	Create skill scaffold
skillforge validate PATH	Validate skill
skillforge preview PATH	Preview skill
skillforge install PATH	Install to Claude Code
skillforge bundle PATH	Create zip for claude.ai