microsoft-skill-creator

OverviewHistoryStatsSecurity

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill microsoft-skill-creator

Documentation

SKILL.md

npx skills add ...

Documentation

SKILL.md

Create agent skills for Microsoft technologies using Learn MCP tools. Use when users want to create a skill that teaches agents about any Microsoft technology, library, framework, or service (Azure, .NET, M365, VS Code, Bicep, etc.). Investigates topics deeply, then generates a hybrid skill storing essential knowledge locally while enabling dynamic deeper investigation.

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill microsoft-skill-creator

Documentation

SKILL.mdView source

Microsoft Skill Creator

Create hybrid skills for Microsoft technologies that store essential knowledge locally while enabling dynamic Learn MCP lookups for deeper details.

About Skills

Skills are modular packages that extend agent capabilities with specialized knowledge and workflows. A skill transforms a general-purpose agent into a specialized one for a specific domain.

Skill Structure

skill-name/
├── SKILL.md (required)     # Frontmatter (name, description) + instructions
├── references/             # Documentation loaded into context as needed
├── sample_codes/           # Working code examples
└── assets/                 # Files used in output (templates, etc.)

Key Principles

Frontmatter is critical: name and description determine when the skill triggers—be clear and comprehensive
Concise is key: Only include what agents don't already know; context window is shared
No duplication: Information lives in SKILL.md OR reference files, not both

Learn MCP Tools

Tool	Purpose	When to Use
`microsoft_docs_search`	Search official docs	First pass discovery, finding topics
`microsoft_docs_fetch`	Get full page content	Deep dive into important pages
`microsoft_code_sample_search`	Find code examples	Get implementation patterns

CLI Alternative

If the Learn MCP server is not available, use the mslearn CLI from a terminal or shell (for example, Bash, PowerShell, or cmd) instead:

# Run directly (no install needed)
npx @microsoft/learn-cli search "semantic kernel overview"
 
# Or install globally, then run
npm install -g @microsoft/learn-cli
mslearn search "semantic kernel overview"

MCP Tool	CLI Command
`microsoft_docs_search(query: "...")`	`mslearn search "..."`
`microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "...", language: "...")`	`mslearn code-search "..." --language ...`
`microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...")`	`mslearn fetch "..."`

Generated skills should include this same CLI fallback table so agents can use either path.

Creation Process

Step 1: Investigate the Topic

Build deep understanding using Learn MCP tools in three phases:

Phase 1 - Scope Discovery:

microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} overview what is")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} concepts architecture")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} getting started tutorial")

Phase 2 - Core Content:

microsoft_docs_fetch(url="...")  # Fetch pages from Phase 1
microsoft_code_sample_search(query="{technology}", language="{lang}")

Phase 3 - Depth:

microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} best practices")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} troubleshooting errors")

Investigation Checklist

After investigating, verify:

Can explain what the technology does in one paragraph
Identified 3-5 key concepts
Have working code for basic usage
Know the most common API patterns
Have search queries for deeper topics

Step 2: Clarify with User

Present findings and ask:

"I found these key areas: [list]. Which are most important?"
"What tasks will agents primarily perform with this skill?"
"Which programming language should code samples prioritize?"

Step 3: Generate the Skill

Use the appropriate template from skill-templates.md:

Technology Type	Template
Client library, NuGet/npm package	SDK/Library
Azure resource	Azure Service
App development framework	Framework/Platform
REST API, protocol	API/Protocol

Generated Skill Structure

{skill-name}/
├── SKILL.md                    # Core knowledge + Learn MCP guidance
├── references/                 # Detailed local documentation (if needed)
└── sample_codes/               # Working code examples
    ├── getting-started/
    └── common-patterns/

Step 4: Balance Local vs Dynamic Content

Store locally when:

Foundational (needed for any task)
Frequently accessed
Stable (won't change)
Hard to find via search

Keep dynamic when:

Exhaustive reference (too large)
Version-specific
Situational (specific tasks only)
Well-indexed (easy to search)

Content Guidelines

Content Type	Local	Dynamic
Core concepts (3-5)	✅ Full
Hello world code	✅ Full
Common patterns (3-5)	✅ Full
Top API methods	Signature + example	Full docs via fetch
Best practices	Top 5 bullets	Search for more
Troubleshooting		Search queries
Full API reference		Doc links

Step 5: Validate

Review: Is local content sufficient for common tasks?
Test: Do suggested search queries return useful results?
Verify: Do code samples run without errors?

Common Investigation Patterns

For SDKs/Libraries

"{name} overview" → purpose, architecture
"{name} getting started quickstart" → setup steps
"{name} API reference" → core classes/methods
"{name} samples examples" → code patterns
"{name} best practices performance" → optimization

For Azure Services

"{service} overview features" → capabilities
"{service} quickstart {language}" → setup code
"{service} REST API reference" → endpoints
"{service} SDK {language}" → client library
"{service} pricing limits quotas" → constraints

For Frameworks/Platforms

"{framework} architecture concepts" → mental model
"{framework} project structure" → conventions
"{framework} tutorial walkthrough" → end-to-end flow
"{framework} configuration options" → customization

Example: Creating a "Semantic Kernel" Skill

Investigation

microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel overview")
microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel plugins functions")
microsoft_code_sample_search(query="semantic kernel", language="csharp")
microsoft_docs_fetch(url="https://learn.microsoft.com/semantic-kernel/overview/")

Generated Skill

semantic-kernel/
├── SKILL.md
└── sample_codes/
    ├── getting-started/
    │   └── hello-kernel.cs
    └── common-patterns/
        ├── chat-completion.cs
        └── function-calling.cs

Generated SKILL.md

---
name: semantic-kernel
description: Build AI agents with Microsoft Semantic Kernel. Use for LLM-powered apps with plugins, planners, and memory in .NET or Python.
---
 
# Semantic Kernel
 
Orchestration SDK for integrating LLMs into applications with plugins, planners, and memory.
 
## Key Concepts
 
- **Kernel**: Central orchestrator managing AI services and plugins
- **Plugins**: Collections of functions the AI can call
- **Planner**: Sequences plugin functions to achieve goals
- **Memory**: Vector store integration for RAG patterns
 
## Quick Start
 
See [getting-started/hello-kernel.cs](sample_codes/getting-started/hello-kernel.cs)
 
## Learn More
 
| Topic | How to Find |
|-------|-------------|
| Plugin development | `microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel plugins custom functions")` |
| Planners | `microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel planner")` |
| Memory | `microsoft_docs_fetch(url="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/frameworks/agent/agent-memory")` |
 
## CLI Alternative
 
If the Learn MCP server is not available, use the `mslearn` CLI instead:
 
| MCP Tool | CLI Command |
|----------|-------------|
| `microsoft_docs_search(query: "...")` | `mslearn search "..."` |
| `microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "...", language: "...")` | `mslearn code-search "..." --language ...` |
| `microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...")` | `mslearn fetch "..."` |
 
Run directly with `npx @microsoft/learn-cli <command>` or install globally with `npm install -g @microsoft/learn-cli`.

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill microsoft-skill-creator

Documentation

SKILL.md

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill microsoft-skill-creator

Documentation

SKILL.mdView source

Microsoft Skill Creator

Create hybrid skills for Microsoft technologies that store essential knowledge locally while enabling dynamic Learn MCP lookups for deeper details.

About Skills

Skills are modular packages that extend agent capabilities with specialized knowledge and workflows. A skill transforms a general-purpose agent into a specialized one for a specific domain.

Skill Structure

skill-name/
├── SKILL.md (required)     # Frontmatter (name, description) + instructions
├── references/             # Documentation loaded into context as needed
├── sample_codes/           # Working code examples
└── assets/                 # Files used in output (templates, etc.)

Key Principles

Frontmatter is critical: name and description determine when the skill triggers—be clear and comprehensive
Concise is key: Only include what agents don't already know; context window is shared
No duplication: Information lives in SKILL.md OR reference files, not both

Learn MCP Tools

Tool	Purpose	When to Use
`microsoft_docs_search`	Search official docs	First pass discovery, finding topics
`microsoft_docs_fetch`	Get full page content	Deep dive into important pages
`microsoft_code_sample_search`	Find code examples	Get implementation patterns

CLI Alternative

If the Learn MCP server is not available, use the mslearn CLI from a terminal or shell (for example, Bash, PowerShell, or cmd) instead:

# Run directly (no install needed)
npx @microsoft/learn-cli search "semantic kernel overview"
 
# Or install globally, then run
npm install -g @microsoft/learn-cli
mslearn search "semantic kernel overview"

MCP Tool	CLI Command
`microsoft_docs_search(query: "...")`	`mslearn search "..."`
`microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "...", language: "...")`	`mslearn code-search "..." --language ...`
`microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...")`	`mslearn fetch "..."`

Generated skills should include this same CLI fallback table so agents can use either path.

Creation Process

Step 1: Investigate the Topic

Build deep understanding using Learn MCP tools in three phases:

Phase 1 - Scope Discovery:

microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} overview what is")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} concepts architecture")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} getting started tutorial")

Phase 2 - Core Content:

microsoft_docs_fetch(url="...")  # Fetch pages from Phase 1
microsoft_code_sample_search(query="{technology}", language="{lang}")

Phase 3 - Depth:

microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} best practices")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} troubleshooting errors")

Investigation Checklist

After investigating, verify:

Can explain what the technology does in one paragraph
Identified 3-5 key concepts
Have working code for basic usage
Know the most common API patterns
Have search queries for deeper topics

Step 2: Clarify with User

Present findings and ask:

"I found these key areas: [list]. Which are most important?"
"What tasks will agents primarily perform with this skill?"
"Which programming language should code samples prioritize?"

Step 3: Generate the Skill

Use the appropriate template from skill-templates.md:

Technology Type	Template
Client library, NuGet/npm package	SDK/Library
Azure resource	Azure Service
App development framework	Framework/Platform
REST API, protocol	API/Protocol

Generated Skill Structure

{skill-name}/
├── SKILL.md                    # Core knowledge + Learn MCP guidance
├── references/                 # Detailed local documentation (if needed)
└── sample_codes/               # Working code examples
    ├── getting-started/
    └── common-patterns/

Step 4: Balance Local vs Dynamic Content

Store locally when:

Foundational (needed for any task)
Frequently accessed
Stable (won't change)
Hard to find via search

Keep dynamic when:

Exhaustive reference (too large)
Version-specific
Situational (specific tasks only)
Well-indexed (easy to search)

Content Guidelines

Content Type	Local	Dynamic
Core concepts (3-5)	✅ Full
Hello world code	✅ Full
Common patterns (3-5)	✅ Full
Top API methods	Signature + example	Full docs via fetch
Best practices	Top 5 bullets	Search for more
Troubleshooting		Search queries
Full API reference		Doc links

Step 5: Validate

Review: Is local content sufficient for common tasks?
Test: Do suggested search queries return useful results?
Verify: Do code samples run without errors?

Common Investigation Patterns

For SDKs/Libraries

"{name} overview" → purpose, architecture
"{name} getting started quickstart" → setup steps
"{name} API reference" → core classes/methods
"{name} samples examples" → code patterns
"{name} best practices performance" → optimization

For Azure Services

"{service} overview features" → capabilities
"{service} quickstart {language}" → setup code
"{service} REST API reference" → endpoints
"{service} SDK {language}" → client library
"{service} pricing limits quotas" → constraints

For Frameworks/Platforms

"{framework} architecture concepts" → mental model
"{framework} project structure" → conventions
"{framework} tutorial walkthrough" → end-to-end flow
"{framework} configuration options" → customization

Example: Creating a "Semantic Kernel" Skill

Investigation

microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel overview")
microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel plugins functions")
microsoft_code_sample_search(query="semantic kernel", language="csharp")
microsoft_docs_fetch(url="https://learn.microsoft.com/semantic-kernel/overview/")

Generated Skill

semantic-kernel/
├── SKILL.md
└── sample_codes/
    ├── getting-started/
    │   └── hello-kernel.cs
    └── common-patterns/
        ├── chat-completion.cs
        └── function-calling.cs

Generated SKILL.md

---
name: semantic-kernel
description: Build AI agents with Microsoft Semantic Kernel. Use for LLM-powered apps with plugins, planners, and memory in .NET or Python.
---
 
# Semantic Kernel
 
Orchestration SDK for integrating LLMs into applications with plugins, planners, and memory.
 
## Key Concepts
 
- **Kernel**: Central orchestrator managing AI services and plugins
- **Plugins**: Collections of functions the AI can call
- **Planner**: Sequences plugin functions to achieve goals
- **Memory**: Vector store integration for RAG patterns
 
## Quick Start
 
See [getting-started/hello-kernel.cs](sample_codes/getting-started/hello-kernel.cs)
 
## Learn More
 
| Topic | How to Find |
|-------|-------------|
| Plugin development | `microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel plugins custom functions")` |
| Planners | `microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel planner")` |
| Memory | `microsoft_docs_fetch(url="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/frameworks/agent/agent-memory")` |
 
## CLI Alternative
 
If the Learn MCP server is not available, use the `mslearn` CLI instead:
 
| MCP Tool | CLI Command |
|----------|-------------|
| `microsoft_docs_search(query: "...")` | `mslearn search "..."` |
| `microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "...", language: "...")` | `mslearn code-search "..." --language ...` |
| `microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...")` | `mslearn fetch "..."` |
 
Run directly with `npx @microsoft/learn-cli <command>` or install globally with `npm install -g @microsoft/learn-cli`.