Foundational language · chapter 2 of 17
Skill and metaskill
A skill makes a proven workflow reusable. A metaskill describes how such workflows should be created, checked and improved.
2.1 · from one use to reuse
A good prompt is not automatically a skill
When a task returns, we need more than the text that worked once. We must also preserve when the method should be used, which resources it needs, which tools it may use and how the result is checked.
Skill
A bounded workflow that can be activated again. It combines instructions, resources, tools and checkpoints around one clear purpose.
“Perform an accessibility review of a guide.”
Metaskill
A workflow for creating, checking or improving skills against consistent quality requirements.
“Create a new skill and verify that it has a clear trigger, boundaries and test.”
Important: A skill is not just a saved prompt. It also contains the boundaries and evidence that make repeated use safe and predictable.
2.2 · the anatomy
Six parts make the workflow reusable
Trigger
When should this skill be used, and when should it not be used?
Purpose
Which clear outcome does the workflow own?
Instructions
Which sequence, method and decision rules apply?
Resources
Which templates, references or project files are required?
Tools and boundaries
What may the method read, change or publish?
Verification
How do we prove that the result is actually correct?
2.3 · the meta level
The metaskill works on the workflow itself
Performs a particular type of work consistently.
Improves the system’s ability to perform future tasks.
2.4 · the complete foundation model
Four concepts, four different jobs
Requests one concrete result.
Creates or improves the prompt.
Packages the workflow with resources and checks.
Creates and maintains skills.
2.5 · concrete example
From one page review to a durable workflow
Review this page
Requests one assessment of headings, contrast, links and mobile presentation.
Defined page review
Defines when the review is used, which viewport widths are tested, which tools are permitted, how issues are documented and which requirements must pass.
Build better review skills
Checks that new skills have a trigger, clear scope, safety boundaries, a reproducible test, expected evidence and a maintenance rule.
2.6 · try it yourself
Turn a recurring task into a skill
Choose something you have asked AI to do at least three times. Then write one sentence for each field:
- When:What triggers the workflow?
- Result:What must be true when it is complete?
- Method:Which steps must always be performed?
- Boundaries:What must it not do or assume?
- Evidence:How will you check the result?