Tier 1: Simple Skills

Single-file skills for focused, specific purposes.

When to Use

Single concept: One technique, one pattern, one reference
Under 200 lines: Can fit comfortably in one file
No complex decision logic: User knows exactly what they need
Frequently loaded: Needs minimal token footprint

Structure

my-skill/
└── SKILL.md          # Everything in one file

Example

---
name: flatten-with-flags
description: Use when simplifying deeply nested conditionals.
metadata:
  category: pattern
  triggers: nested if, complex conditionals, early return
---

# Flatten with Flags

## When to Use
- Code has 3+ levels of nesting
- Conditions are hard to follow

## The Pattern
Replace nested conditions with early returns and flag variables.

## Before
```javascript
function process(data) {
  if (data) {
    if (data.valid) {
      if (data.ready) {
        return doWork(data);
      }
    }
  }
  return null;
}

After

function process(data) {
  if (!data) return null;
  if (!data.valid) return null;
  if (!data.ready) return null;
  return doWork(data);
}


## Checklist

- [ ] Fits in <200 lines
- [ ] Single focused purpose
- [ ] No need for `references/` directory
- [ ] Description uses "Use when..." pattern