Learn: Teach Claude Any Topic

Research and learn any topic, then retain the knowledge as a permanent skill. Works for:

• Code libraries: React, Stripe, Supabase (uses Context7 when available)
• APIs & Services: Twilio, OpenAI, Google APIs
• Concepts & Methodologies: GTD, Agile, Design Patterns
• Domain Knowledge: Tax law, medical terminology, industry practices
• Tools: Docker, Kubernetes, FFmpeg

After learning, Claude becomes an expert on that topic in all future conversations.

Usage

/learn <topic>           # Create new skill from docs
/learn <topic> --update  # Update existing skill with latest docs
/learn <topic> --project # Save to project (.claude/skills/) instead of global

Process

1. Research the Topic

For code libraries/APIs – try Context7 first:

mcp__plugin_context7_context7__resolve-library-id
  query: "user's task/question"
  libraryName: "<topic>"

For any topic (or if Context7 doesn’t have it) – use WebSearch:

WebSearch: "<topic>" guide tutorial best practices
WebSearch: "<topic>" official documentation
WebSearch: "<topic>" examples patterns

For domain knowledge – broader research:

WebSearch: "<topic>" comprehensive guide
WebSearch: "<topic>" key concepts terminology
WebSearch: "<topic>" common mistakes pitfalls

Use WebFetch to read the most relevant pages found.

2. Extract Knowledge

Query the documentation for key information:

mcp__plugin_context7_context7__query-docs
  libraryId: "<resolved-id>"
  query: "getting started setup authentication common patterns"

Extract:

• Setup/Installation: How to get started
• Core concepts: Key abstractions and terminology
• Common patterns: Typical usage examples
• API reference: Essential methods/functions
• Gotchas: Non-obvious pitfalls mentioned in docs
• Best practices: Recommended approaches

If docs are large, make multiple targeted queries:

1. “installation setup quickstart”
2. “authentication API keys configuration”
3. “common patterns examples”
4. “error handling troubleshooting”

3. Consult Claude Code Guide

Before creating the skill, use the claude-code-guide agent to verify current skill conventions:

Task tool with subagent_type: claude-code-guide
prompt: "What are the current conventions for writing Claude Code skills?
        I need to know: required/optional frontmatter fields,
        description best practices, and recommended structure."

This ensures the generated skill follows the latest Claude Code patterns.

4. Generate Skill Structure

Create skill at appropriate location:

• Default: ~/.claude/skills/<topic>/skill.md
• With --project: .claude/skills/<topic>/skill.md

Skill template:

---
name: <topic>
description: <What the library does>. Use when <specific triggers>. Covers: <main capabilities>.
---

# <Topic> Quick Reference

## Setup

[Installation commands and initial config]

## Core Concepts

[Key abstractions - 2-3 sentences each]

## Common Patterns

### [Pattern 1 Name]
[Code example with brief explanation]

### [Pattern 2 Name]
[Code example with brief explanation]

## API Quick Reference

| Method | Purpose | Example |
|--------|---------|---------|
| ... | ... | ... |

## Gotchas

- [Non-obvious issue 1]
- [Non-obvious issue 2]

## Links

- [Official Docs](url)
- [API Reference](url)

5. Verify and Announce

After creating the skill:

1. Confirm the skill was created
2. Show the description (what triggers it)
3. Show 2-3 example prompts that would activate it

Quality Guidelines

Do:

• Focus on practical, actionable information
• Include real code examples from docs
• Capture version-specific details if relevant
• Add the official docs URL for reference

Don’t:

• Copy entire documentation (copyright)
• Include marketing/promotional content
• Add information Claude already knows generally
• Make the skill too long (under 500 lines)

Update Mode (–update)

When updating an existing skill:

1. Read current skill content
2. Query docs for latest/new information
3. Merge new content, preserving existing structure
4. Note version changes if applicable

Example

User: /learn stripe-payments

Claude:
1. Resolves "stripe" via Context7 → /stripe/stripe-node
2. Queries: setup, authentication, common patterns, webhooks
3. Consults claude-code-guide for current skill conventions
4. Creates ~/.claude/skills/stripe-payments/skill.md with:
   - API key setup
   - Payment intent flow
   - Webhook verification
   - Error handling patterns
5. Reports: "Created stripe-payments skill. Triggers on: 'Stripe payment', 'charge card', 'payment intent'"

Requirements

• Context7 MCP plugin (recommended) – for accessing library documentation
• OR WebSearch/WebFetch tools – as fallback for any documentation