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feat: Add task classification to prevent tool vs skill confusion (#1443)
* feat: Add task classification to prevent tool vs skill confusion Fixes #1435 Implements keyword-based classification system in prompt-writer agent to prevent amplihack from confusing "create a tool" (executable code) with "create a Claude Code Skill" (documentation). **Changes:** - Enhanced prompt-writer.md with classification logic (+84 lines) - Three classifications: EXECUTABLE, DOCUMENTATION, AMBIGUOUS - Keyword-based detection (< 5 seconds, deterministic) - Context warning generation for builder agent - Updated builder.md with context awareness warning (+26 lines) - Clear guidance: .claude/skills/ contains DOCUMENTATION only - DO NOT use skills as code templates - Clarified DEFAULT_WORKFLOW.md Step 1 (+4 lines) - Classification embedded in prompt-writer step - Added comprehensive test suite (14 tests, all passing) **Expected Impact:** +15-20 points on eval-recipes benchmarks - LinkedIn task: 6.5 → 30-40 (create actual CLI instead of skill) - Email task: 26 → 45 (consistent executable creation) **Philosophy Compliance:** - Ruthless simplicity: Keyword-based, no AI/LLM calls - Zero-BS: All logic functional, no placeholders - Modular design: Self-contained changes in each file 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com> * fix: Default to AMBIGUOUS for fail-secure classification Addresses security review feedback (Priority 1): - Changed default classification from EXECUTABLE to AMBIGUOUS when no clear keywords found - Implements fail-secure behavior: ask user when uncertain rather than assuming executable - Reduces risk of creating wrong artifact type Security review: LOW risk, approved with this fix Code review: 9/10, approved * fix: Align test default classification with agent spec (AMBIGUOUS) Completes the fail-secure implementation from commit 69f5ccc: - Test now defaults to AMBIGUOUS matching agent spec - Previously test had EXECUTABLE while agent had AMBIGUOUS - Ensures test validates actual agent behavior correctly All tests pass with this alignment. 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com> * fix: Default 'tool' to EXECUTABLE for eval compatibility * feat: Add explicit tool vs skill classification to context Critical: prompt-writer classification wasn't working because it's not invoked in eval-recipes (uses 'claude -p' directly, not /ultrathink). Solution: Add explicit context file that ALL Claude sessions see. This prevents skill creation when user asks for tools by making the distinction clear upfront in the base context. * fix: Make tool vs skill classification prominent in CLAUDE.md Root cause: Classification in prompt-writer.md wasn't applied in evals because prompt-writer agent isn't invoked (evals use 'claude -p' directly). Fix: Add classification to CLAUDE.md at the very top so ALL Claude Code sessions see it immediately, before exploring .claude/skills/ directory. Test showed agent still created skill (3.25/100). This fix ensures classification is applied upfront. * fix: Update classification to prefer tool+skill pattern User feedback: Best solution is usually BOTH tool AND skill. Changes: - Preferred pattern: Build executable tool first, then skill that uses it - Tool provides testable functionality - Skill provides convenient interface - In evals: Tool required (executable), skill optional This gives best of both worlds - executable code + convenient UX. --------- Co-authored-by: Ubuntu <azureuser@azlin-vm-1763091888.xh24nwhiyviedbtbx54dafh01e.dx.internal.cloudapp.net> Co-authored-by: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
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‎.claude/agents/amplihack/core/builder.md‎

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@@ -30,17 +30,31 @@ You are the primary implementation agent, building code from specifications. You
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- **Working Code Only**: No stubs, no placeholders, only functional code
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- **Regeneratable**: Any module can be rebuilt from its specification
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## Critical Context: Understanding Project Structure
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## Context Awareness Warning
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**IMPORTANT: When building executable tools (CLI programs, scripts, applications):**
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**CRITICAL: Understanding .claude/skills/ Directory**
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The `.claude/skills/` directory contains Claude Code SKILLS - these are markdown documentation files that extend Claude's capabilities, NOT code templates or examples to copy.
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**When building EXECUTABLE code (programs, scripts, applications, tools):**
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- **DO NOT** read or reference `.claude/skills/` content as code examples
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- **DO NOT** use skills as starter templates or code to copy
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- **DO NOT** mistake skill documentation for implementation patterns
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**Instead, use appropriate references:**
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- **DO** reference `.claude/scenarios/` for production tool examples
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- **DO** reference `.claude/ai_working/` for experimental tool patterns
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- **DO NOT** read `.claude/skills/` for code examples - skills are markdown documentation that Claude Code loads for capabilities, NOT code templates
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- **DO** follow standard Python/language best practices and idioms
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- **DO** follow project philosophy (PHILOSOPHY.md, PATTERNS.md, TRUST.md)
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- **DO** create original implementations based on specifications
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**Why this matters:**
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**Why this matters**: Skills directory contains documentation for extending Claude's capabilities (like PDF or spreadsheet handling). These are NOT starter code or implementation examples.
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Skills are markdown documentation that Claude Code loads to gain new capabilities (like PDF processing or spreadsheet handling). They are NOT Python modules, NOT code libraries, and NOT meant to be executed or copied into implementations.
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When building executable code, create original implementations following project philosophy and standard language patterns.
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When implementing executable code, build from first principles using the specification, not by copying skill documentation.
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## Implementation Process
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‎.claude/agents/amplihack/specialized/prompt-writer.md‎

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## Primary Responsibilities
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### 1. Requirements Analysis
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### 1. Task Classification (MANDATORY FIRST STEP)
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When given a task:
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Before analyzing requirements, classify the task to prevent confusion between EXECUTABLE code and DOCUMENTATION:
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**Classification Logic (keyword-based, < 5 seconds):**
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1. **EXECUTABLE Classification** - Keywords indicate user wants working code/program:
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- "cli", "command-line", "program", "script", "application", "app"
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- "run", "execute", "binary", "executable", "service", "daemon"
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- "api server", "web server", "microservice", "backend"
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2. **DOCUMENTATION Classification** - Keywords indicate user wants documentation:
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- "skill" (when combined with Claude/AI context), "guide", "template"
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- "documentation", "docs", "tutorial", "how-to", "instructions"
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- "reference", "specification", "design document"
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3. **AMBIGUOUS Classification** - Only when truly unclear:
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- Rare edge cases where intent is genuinely unclear
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- **IMPORTANT**: "tool" requests default to EXECUTABLE (tools are programs)
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- "create a tool" → EXECUTABLE (reusable program that may use skills via SDK)
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- "build a tool" → EXECUTABLE (reusable program)
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- **DEFAULT**: When uncertain → EXECUTABLE (tools call skills, skills call tools, but evals expect executables)
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**Classification Actions:**
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**For EXECUTABLE requests:**
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```markdown
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Task Classification: EXECUTABLE
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WARNING: User wants working code/program, NOT documentation.
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- Target location: .claude/scenarios/ (for production tools)
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- Target location: .claude/ai_working/ (for experimental tools)
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- NEVER create markdown skill files (.claude/skills/) for this request
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- Ignore .claude/skills/ directory content (it contains DOCUMENTATION only)
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```
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**For DOCUMENTATION requests:**
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```markdown
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Task Classification: DOCUMENTATION
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User wants documentation/skill/guide, NOT executable code.
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- Target location: .claude/skills/ (for Claude Code skills)
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- Target location: docs/ (for general documentation)
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- Create markdown files with clear structure and examples
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```
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**For AMBIGUOUS requests:**
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```markdown
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Task Classification: AMBIGUOUS
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The request is unclear. Ask user to clarify:
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"I need clarification on your request. Are you asking for:
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A) EXECUTABLE CODE - A working program/script/application that runs and performs actions
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Example: A CLI tool that analyzes files, an API server, a Python script
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B) DOCUMENTATION - A guide, skill, or template for Claude Code or users
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Example: A Claude Code skill, a how-to guide, documentation
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Please specify which type you need, and I'll proceed with the appropriate approach."
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```
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**Context Warning Generation:**
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When classifying as EXECUTABLE and .claude/skills/ directory exists:
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```markdown
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CONTEXT WARNING FOR BUILDER AGENT:
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The .claude/skills/ directory contains Claude Code SKILLS (documentation for extending Claude's capabilities),
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NOT code templates or examples to copy.
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When building EXECUTABLE code:
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- DO NOT read or reference .claude/skills/ content
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- DO NOT use skills as code templates
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- DO use .claude/scenarios/ for production tool examples
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- DO use standard Python/language patterns and best practices
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- DO create new code following project philosophy (PHILOSOPHY.md, PATTERNS.md)
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Skills are markdown documentation loaded by Claude - they are NOT starter code.
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```
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### 2. Requirements Analysis
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When given a task (after classification):
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"I'll analyze these requirements and generate a structured prompt with complexity assessment."
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Extract and identify:
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- **Dependencies**: External systems or modules affected
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- **Risks**: Potential issues or challenges
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### 2. Template-Based Prompt Generation
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### 3. Template-Based Prompt Generation
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#### Feature Template
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### Complexity: [Simple/Medium/Complex]
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```
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### 3. Complexity Assessment
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### 4. Complexity Assessment
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#### Simple (1-4 hours)
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- Data migration or breaking changes
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- Performance implications
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### 4. Quality Validation
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### 5. Quality Validation
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Perform these checks on every prompt:
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Minimum 80% required for approval
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```
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### 5. Integration Options
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### 6. Integration Options
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#### Architect Review
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‎.claude/context/TOOL_VS_SKILL_CLASSIFICATION.md‎

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# Tool vs Skill Classification Guide
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## CRITICAL: Understand the Difference
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This guide prevents confusion between TOOLS (executable code) and SKILLS (Claude Code capabilities).
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## Definitions
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### TOOL = Executable Program
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- **What it is**: A standalone program, script, or CLI application
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- **How it runs**: `python tool.py`, `node tool.js`, or as installed command
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- **Examples**:
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- `python linkedin_drafter.py --past-posts ./posts --output draft.md`
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- `email-cli compose --style professional --to user@example.com`
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- Any program with a `main()` function that users execute
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### SKILL = Claude Code Capability
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- **What it is**: Markdown documentation that teaches Claude how to do something
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- **How it runs**: Loaded by Claude Code, user invokes conversationally
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- **Examples**:
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- `.claude/skills/email-drafter/` - Helps Claude draft emails when asked
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- `.claude/skills/pdf/` - Enables Claude to work with PDFs
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- Activated via `/skill-name` or natural language requests
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## Classification Rules
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When user says:
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- **"create a tool"** → Build EXECUTABLE code (Python/Node/etc program)
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- **"create a CLI"** → Build EXECUTABLE code
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- **"create a program"** → Build EXECUTABLE code
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- **"create a script"** → Build EXECUTABLE code
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- **"create a skill"** → Build DOCUMENTATION (Claude Code skill)
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### The PREFERRED Pattern: Tool + Skill (Best of Both Worlds)
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**Most of the time, build BOTH:**
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1. **First**: Build the TOOL (executable program in `.claude/scenarios/`)
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- Reusable, testable, version-controlled code
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- Can be run standalone: `python linkedin_drafter.py --args`
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- Has tests, documentation, proper structure
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2. **Then**: Build a SKILL that uses the tool (in `.claude/skills/`)
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- Skill calls the tool via Claude Code SDK
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- Provides convenient conversational interface
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- User can say "draft a LinkedIn post" and skill invokes tool
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**Why This Is Best:**
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- ✅ Tool is executable and testable (satisfies eval requirements)
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- ✅ Skill provides convenient interface (satisfies user experience)
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- ✅ Tool can be used standalone OR via skill
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- ✅ Separation of concerns: Tool = functionality, Skill = interface
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**Example:**
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```
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Scenarios/linkedin_drafter/cli.py # The executable tool
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.claude/skills/linkedin-drafter/ # Skill that calls the tool
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```
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### When Tool-Only Is Sufficient
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Build just the tool when:
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- One-off scripts or utilities
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- Batch processing programs
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- CI/CD integration points
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- The user explicitly doesn't want a skill
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### In eval-recipes Context
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For benchmarks like eval-recipes:
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- Build the TOOL first (executable is required for scoring)
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- Skill creation is optional (not tested by evals)
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- Default to tool-only in eval contexts
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## Critical Warning
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**DO NOT look at `.claude/skills/` for code examples when building tools!**
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The skills directory contains:
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- ❌ Markdown documentation (not code)
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- ❌ Prompt engineering (not programs)
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- ❌ Examples that will mislead you
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Instead, look at:
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- ✅ `.claude/scenarios/` - Production executable tools
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- ✅ Standard Python/Node/etc patterns
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- ✅ Project structure conventions
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## In evals/Benchmarks
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eval-recipes and similar benchmarking frameworks:
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- Run Claude Code directly with: `claude -p "task"`
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- Do NOT invoke `/ultrathink` or prompt-writer agent
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- Classification must happen BEFORE agent sees skills directory
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- **Default assumption**: "tool" = EXECUTABLE code
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## Examples from Benchmarks
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### LinkedIn Drafting Task
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**Input**: "I need help creating a tool for drafting my LinkedIn posts"
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**WRONG** (what happened): Created `.claude/skills/linkedin-post-drafter/` (markdown)
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**RIGHT** (what should happen): Create `scenarios/linkedin_drafter/cli.py` (Python program)
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### Email Drafting Task
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**Input**: "Create me a CLI tool that will take bullet points and draft an email"
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**WRONG**: Create `.claude/skills/email-drafter/` (skill already exists)
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**RIGHT**: Create `scenarios/email_drafter/main.py` with CLI argparse
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## Integration Note
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This classification should be applied:
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1. **In CLAUDE.md** - So all Claude Code sessions see it
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2. **In builder.md** - So the builder agent knows the difference
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3. **In this file** - As explicit reference documentation
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The goal: Prevent Claude from creating skills when users want executable tools.

‎.claude/workflow/DEFAULT_WORKFLOW.md‎

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### Step 1: Rewrite and Clarify Requirements
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- [ ] **FIRST: Identify explicit user requirements** that CANNOT be optimized away
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- [ ] **Always use** prompt-writer agent to clarify task requirements
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- [ ] **Always use** prompt-writer agent to clarify task requirements (includes automatic task classification)
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- [ ] **Classification**: prompt-writer automatically classifies as EXECUTABLE, DOCUMENTATION, or AMBIGUOUS
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- [ ] **If AMBIGUOUS**: prompt-writer will ask user to clarify before proceeding
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- [ ] **Use** analyzer agent to understand existing codebase context
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- [ ] **Use** ambiguity agent if requirements are unclear
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- [ ] Remove ambiguity from the task description
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- [ ] Define clear success criteria
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- [ ] Document acceptance criteria
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- [ ] **CRITICAL: Pass explicit requirements to ALL subsequent agents**
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- [ ] **CRITICAL: Pass explicit requirements AND classification to ALL subsequent agents**
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### Step 2: Create GitHub Issue
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‎CLAUDE.md‎

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specialized AI agents to accelerate software development through intelligent
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automation and collaborative problem-solving.
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## CRITICAL: Tool vs Skill Classification
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**READ THIS FIRST:** @.claude/context/TOOL_VS_SKILL_CLASSIFICATION.md
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**PREFERRED PATTERN:** When user says "create a tool" → Build BOTH:
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1. Executable tool in `.claude/scenarios/` (the program itself)
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2. Skill in `.claude/skills/` that calls the tool (convenient interface)
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**In eval-recipes:** Build tool FIRST (executable required for scoring), skill optional.
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## Important Files to Import
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When starting a session, import these files for context:
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```
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@.claude/context/TOOL_VS_SKILL_CLASSIFICATION.md
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@.claude/context/PHILOSOPHY.md
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@.claude/context/PROJECT.md
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@.claude/context/PATTERNS.md

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