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How to Generate and Use Custom Claude Skills via the Command Line with Claude Code

This workflow demonstrates how to use a previously created 'meta-skill' within the Claude Code command-line interface to generate a new, specific skill. You'll learn how to prompt Claude Code to build a skill and then immediately test it.

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How to Generate and Use Custom Claude Skills via the Command Line with Claude Code

Tools Used

Claude

Anthropic AI assistant

Claude Code

Claude for coding tasks

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Open Terminal and Start Claude Code

Open your terminal or command prompt and navigate (cd) into the directory where you store your skills (e.g., claude-skills). Start the Claude Code interface.

2

Prompt Claude Code to Use Your 'Meta-Skill'

Since Claude Code is running in your skills directory, it automatically has access to your create_skill meta-skill. Prompt it to use this skill to generate a new, specific one for a repetitive task.

Prompt:
Use the create_skill Skill to create a skill for turning change log entries into a user facing newsletter.
3

Observe the Automated Generation

Watch as Claude Code identifies and uses your create_skill instructions. It will create a new directory for the skill, write the necessary files, and even run any included validation scripts.

4

Test the New Skill Immediately

Without any special commands, paste content relevant to your new skill directly into the Claude Code chat. Claude will recognize the context and automatically apply the correct skill to process your input.

Prompt:
Okay, here's the latest change log...
Pro Tip: If the output isn't perfect, you can easily open the `SKILL.md` file for the new skill in a text editor and tweak the instructions to refine the tone, format, or logic.

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