Using CodeAssist Skills

Core Principle

Before starting a task, check if any skills apply. Skills are documented best practices that help you work more effectively.

First Response Protocol

For each request:

1. Check: Review available skills in .claude/skills/
2. Read: If a skill applies, read the skill file
3. Announce: State which skill you’re using
   • Example: “I’m using the code-review skill to review these changes”
4. Follow: Execute the skill’s protocol

Why Use Skills

Skills represent tested approaches that:

• Provide consistent patterns across projects
• Include important safety checks
• Prevent common mistakes
• Save time by avoiding rework

Skill Categories

Core Workflow

• brainstorming – Discuss approach before implementation
• writing-plans – Break work into tasks
• executing-plans – Execute with verification
• code-review – Review before completing

Safety

• database-backup – Backup before database operations
• verification-before-completion – Final checks before declaring done

Testing

• test-driven-development – Write tests first
• condition-based-waiting – Avoid flaky tests
• testing-anti-patterns – Common mistakes to avoid

Workflow

• git-workflow – Branching and commits
• git-worktrees – Parallel development

Skill Discovery

Tips

• Read the skill file rather than relying on memory
• Announce which skill you’re using for transparency
• Follow the skill’s checklist if it has one
• Skills work best when used consistently

Full Skills Index

See .claude/skills/README.md for the complete list of available skills.